Strong's Lexicon exaleiphó: To wipe out, to blot out, to erase, to obliterate Original Word: ἐξαλείφω Word Origin: From the Greek prefix ἐξ (ex, meaning "out of" or "from") and ἀλείφω (aleiphó, meaning "to anoint" or "to smear"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often used in similar contexts is מָחָה (machah, Strong's H4229), which means to wipe out or blot out, as seen in passages like Psalm 51:1 and Isaiah 43:25. Usage: The verb ἐξαλείφω primarily means to wipe out or erase. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the removal or obliteration of sins, debts, or records. It conveys the idea of complete removal, leaving no trace behind. This term is often associated with divine forgiveness and the cleansing power of God. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, the concept of wiping out or erasing was often associated with the removal of writing from a surface, such as a wax tablet. This imagery was powerful in a society where written records were crucial for legal and personal matters. In the Jewish context, the idea of blotting out sins is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system and the Day of Atonement, where sins were symbolically removed or covered. HELPS Word-studies 1813 eksaleíphō (from 1537 /ek, "wholly out from," intensifying 218 /aleíphō, "smear") – properly, to rub (smear) out, i.e. completely remove (wipe away); obliterate; remove totally from a previous state with the outcome of being blotted out (erased). [1813 (eksaleíphō) originally meant, "to plaster, rub smooth, or whitewash." Later it referred to "wiping out" in the sense of "to cancel" (rubbing out a writing or seal impression left on a wax tablet). Thus 1813 (eksaleíphō) was used for canceling obligations or entitlements (extended benefits or liabilities).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and aleiphó Definition to wipe out, erase, obliterate NASB Translation canceled (1), erase (1), wipe (1), wipe away (1), wiped away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1813: ἐξαλείφωἐξαλείφω: future ἐξαλείψω; 1 aorist participle ἐξαλείψας; 1 aorist passive infinitive ἐξαλειφθῆναι ((WH ἐξαλιφθῆναι; see their Appendix, p. 154, and under the word Iota)); 1. (εξ( denoting completeness (cf. ἐκ, VI. 6)), to anoint or wash in every part, hence, to besmear: equivalent to cover with lime (to whitewash or plaster), τό τεῖχος, Thucydides 3, 20; τούς τοίχους τοῦ ἱεροῦ (here to overlay with gold etc.), 1 Chronicles 29:4; τήν οἰκίαν, Leviticus 14:42 (for טוּחַ). 2. (εξ( denoting removal (cf. ἐκ, VI. 2)), to wipe off, wipe away: δάκρυον ἀπό (G L T Tr WH ἐκ) τῶν ὀφθαλμῶν, Revelation 7:17; Revelation 21:4 (R G WH marginal reading, others ἐκ); to obliterate, erase, wipe out, blot out, (Aeschylus, Herodotus, others; the Sept. for מָחָה): τί, Colossians 2:14; τό ὄνομα ἐκ τῆς βίβλου, Revelation 3:5 (Ps. 68(69): From ek and aleipho; to smear out, i.e. Obliterate (erase tears, figuratively, pardon sin) -- blot out, wipe away. see GREEK ek see GREEK aleipho Englishman's Concordance Acts 3:19 V-ANPGRK: εἰς τὸ ἐξαλειφθῆναι ὑμῶν τὰς NAS: that your sins may be wiped away, in order KJV: sins may be blotted out, when INT: for the blotting out of your Colossians 2:14 V-APA-NMS Revelation 3:5 V-FIA-1S Revelation 7:17 V-FIA-3S Revelation 21:4 V-FIA-3S Strong's Greek 1813 |