Lexical Summary exorussó: To dig out, to gouge out Original Word: ἐξορύσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance extract, pluck out. From ek and orusso; to dig out, i.e. (by extension) to extract (an eye), remove (roofing) -- break up, pluck out. see GREEK ek see GREEK orusso NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and orussó Definition to dig out or up NASB Translation dug (1), plucked (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1846: ἐξορύσσωἐξορύσσω: 1 aorist participle ἐξορύξαντες; from Herodotus down; 1. to dig out: τούς ὀφθαλμούς (properly, to pluck out the eyes; so Judges 16:21 (Alex.); 1 Samuel 11:2; Herodotus 8, 116; Josephus, Antiquities 6, 5, 1; Lucian, dial. deor. 1, 1; others) καί διδόναι τίνι, metaphorically, to renounce the most precious things for another's advantage, Galatians 4:15 (similar expressions see in Terence, adelph. 4, 5, 67; Horace sat. 2, 5, 35; (Wetstein at the passage)); in opposition to a very few interpretaters who, assuming that Paul suffered from a weakness of the eyes, understand the words literally, Ye would have plucked out your sound eyes and have put them into me, see Meyer at the passage; (cf. references under the word σκόλοψ, at the end). 2. to dig through: τήν στέγην, Mark 2:4. Strong’s Greek 1846 conveys the idea of forcefully digging, gouging, or removing an obstacle in order to reach a desired object or achieve a particular goal. Its two New Testament appearances embody determined, self‐sacrificing action—first in a narrative of bold faith (Mark 2:4), then in a Pauline appeal to remembered devotion (Galatians 4:15). Occurrences and Context 1. Mark 2:4 – “Since they were unable to get to Jesus because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof above Him, made an opening, and lowered the paralytic on his mat.” 2. Galatians 4:15 – “What then has become of your blessing? For I can testify that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me.” Literary and Theological Themes Faith that Clears Obstacles Sacrificial Devotion in Christian Fellowship Contrast of External and Internal Barriers Background in the Septuagint and Jewish Literature The verb group regularly describes digging wells (Genesis 26:25), hollowing out cisterns (Jeremiah 2:13), or gouging eyes in judgment (1 Samuel 11:2). Such Old Testament usage enriches the New Testament imagery: the purposeful removal of material to reach life‐sustaining water parallels believers’ efforts to access the life found in Christ, while the punitive “gouging” warns of the gravity of covenant infidelity. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship Removing Hindrances to the Gospel Guarding Affection for Sound Doctrine Embodied Love Within the Church Historical Reflection in Church Tradition Early Christian writers referenced Mark 2 as an illustration of intercessory faith. Irenaeus highlighted the friends’ labor as evidence that faith is authenticated by works of love. Medieval homilists compared the roof’s removal to the tearing of Christ’s flesh on the cross, opening direct access to divine mercy (Hebrews 10:19–20). Practical Application for Contemporary Believers • Examine and dismantle personal attitudes, habits, or structures that block fellowship with Christ or service to others. Related Biblical Motifs • Opening a path to God: Joshua 3:14–16; Isaiah 40:3–4. Such multifaceted usage of Strong’s Greek 1846 ultimately points to the relentless, loving initiative that both seeks and safeguards fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance Mark 2:4 V-APA-NMPGRK: ἦν καὶ ἐξορύξαντες χαλῶσι τὸν NAS: above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down KJV: and when they had broken [it] up, they let down INT: he was and having broken up [it] they let down the Galatians 4:15 V-APA-NMP |
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