Lexical Summary metairó: To remove, to transfer, to change position Original Word: μεταίρω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance depart. From meta and airo; to betake oneself, i.e. Remove (locally) -- depart. see GREEK meta see GREEK airo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom meta and airó Definition to remove, depart NASB Translation departed (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3332: μεταίρωμεταίρω: 1 aorist μετῆρα; 1. transitive, to lift up and remove from one place to another, to transfer, (Euripides, Theophrastus, others). 2. in the N. T. intransitive (cf. Winers Grammar, § 38, 1; (Buttmann, § 130, 4)) to go away, depart (German aufbrechen): ἐκεῖθεν, Matthew 13:53 (Genesis 12:9 Aq.); followed by ἀπό with the genitive of place, Matthew 19:1. Underlying the verb translated “withdrew” or “left” (Strong’s Greek 3332) is the idea of deliberately lifting oneself from a setting in order to proceed elsewhere. It portrays purposeful movement, not aimless wandering, and appears at pivotal junctures in the life of Jesus Christ when a season of public instruction has reached its conclusion. Occurrences in Matthew’s Gospel 1. Matthew 13:53 – “When Jesus had finished these parables, He withdrew from that place.” Both texts follow extended teaching sections (the kingdom parables of chapter 13 and the community-life discourse of chapters 18–19). The verb signals a narrative hinge: completed revelation is now matched by fresh movement, preparing the reader for the next stage of ministry. Literary Function in Matthew Matthew organizes his Gospel around five large discourse blocks, each ending with a formula, “When Jesus had finished…” (compare Matthew 7:28; 11:1; 13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Strong’s 3332 occurs twice within those formulas, highlighting two transitions: • From parable instruction to the rejection at Nazareth (Matthew 13:53-58). The choice of this verb underscores that Jesus’ withdrawals are neither retreats born of failure nor random relocations but divinely timed steps moving the redemptive plan forward. Historical and Geographical Background In the first reference, Jesus moves within Galilee, probably from the lakeside to His hometown region. In the second, He journeys from Galilee to Judea “beyond the Jordan,” the customary pilgrims’ route that avoided Samaria. Both settings remind readers that the incarnate Son walked real roads, interacted with real communities, and timed His travels to align with Jewish feast cycles and prophetic destiny (John 7:8-10; Luke 9:51). Theological Significance 1. Completion of Mission Segments: Each use follows the clause “when Jesus had finished,” emphasizing that the Lord never departs prematurely. His timing illustrates the principle later echoed in John 17:4, “I have glorified You on earth by accomplishing the work You gave Me to do.” Ministry Implications • Strategic Relocation: Churches and missionaries may glean a model for completing assigned tasks before entering new fields (Acts 13:1-3). Related Concepts • “Withdraw” (Greek ἀναχωρέω) stresses retreat for safety; Strong’s 3332 focuses on lifting away after accomplishing a purpose. Practical Application Believers should prayerfully evaluate seasons of service, discerning when God signals a transition. Finishing well in one assignment—teaching a class, leading a study, planting a church—positions the servant for the next Spirit-led step. Faithful fulfillment, not mere length of stay, defines success (2 Timothy 4:7). Summary Strong’s Greek 3332 marks the decisive, ordered movements of Jesus Christ. It reminds readers that Kingdom work unfolds in Spirit-directed stages: teaching completed, purpose fulfilled, servant withdrawn, new horizon embraced. The same Lord still orders the footsteps of those who follow Him today (Psalm 37:23). Englishman's Concordance Matthew 13:53 V-AIA-3SGRK: παραβολὰς ταύτας μετῆρεν ἐκεῖθεν NAS: parables, He departed from there. KJV: these parables, he departed thence. INT: parables these he withdrew from there Matthew 19:1 V-AIA-3S |
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