Lexical Summary apairó: To lift off, to remove, to take away Original Word: ἀπαίρω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance take away. From apo and airo; to lift off, i.e. Remove -- take (away). see GREEK apo see GREEK airo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom apo and airó Definition to lift off NASB Translation taken away (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 522: ἀπαίρωἀπαίρω: 1 aorist passive ἀπηρθην; to lift off, take or carry away; passive, ἀπό τίνος to be taken away from anyone: Matthew 9:15; Mark 2:20; Luke 5:35. (In Greek writings from Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Matthew 9:15, Mark 2:20, and Luke 5:35 form a tight Synoptic triad in which Jesus foretells that “the bridegroom will be taken from them” (Matthew 9:15). The verb translated “taken from” conveys the decisive, even violent, removal of the Bridegroom—an event anticipated only here in the Gospels prior to Passion predictions that follow in clearer terms. Contextual Setting: The Bridegroom Metaphor Jesus’ self-identification as “the Bridegroom” draws upon Old Testament covenant imagery where the LORD is portrayed as Husband to His people (Isaiah 54:5; Hosea 2:19-20). In the first-century Jewish wedding, the bridegroom’s presence initiates celebration; his sudden absence signals an unexpected breach. By applying this metaphor to Himself, Jesus affirms His messianic identity and introduces the paradox of rejoicing and impending sorrow that frames His earthly ministry. Theological Significance 1. Substitutionary Suffering: The removal of the Bridegroom anticipates the cross. The temporary separation of Jesus from His disciples mirrors the atoning separation He experiences under divine judgment (Matthew 27:46). Fasting in Light of the Bridegroom’s Absence Jesus places fasting in a Christ-centered framework. When He is bodily present, fasting gives way to joy; when He is taken away, fasting becomes a gospel-shaped discipline marked by longing for His return. Early Christian practice followed this pattern, moving weekly fasts from Monday-Thursday (common Jewish practice) to Wednesday-Friday, commemorating betrayal and crucifixion. Historical and Cultural Background • Jewish wedding customs expected a seven-day feast; interruption would be scandalous. Jesus’ metaphor shocks His listeners, suggesting a cataclysm that ruptures normal festivity. Intercanonical Connections • Isaiah 62:5 connects Bridegroom joy with Zion’s restoration, fulfilled partially in the Church and consummated in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2). Patristic and Early Church Witness • Irenaeus cited the Bridegroom’s removal to defend a literal passion against early docetism. Ministry Application 1. Worship: Celebration is appropriate because the Bridegroom lives; lament is fitting because the Church still awaits consummation. Eschatological Hope While the verb denotes a completed act, Scripture promises the Bridegroom’s definitive return: “Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory! For the marriage of the Lamb has come” (Revelation 19:7). The temporary removal heightens anticipation for eternal union, ensuring that every fast gives way to the wedding supper of the Lamb. Forms and Transliterations απαίρει απαίρειν απάραντες απάρας απάρατε απαρείτε απαρθη απαρθή ἀπαρθῇ άπαρον απαρούσι απαρούσιν απήραμεν απηραν απήραν απήρε απήρεν απήρκασιν aparthe aparthē aparthêi aparthē̂iLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 9:15 V-ASP-3SGRK: ἡμέραι ὅταν ἀπαρθῇ ἀπ' αὐτῶν NAS: the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then KJV: the bridegroom shall be taken from INT: days when will have been taken away from them Mark 2:20 V-ASP-3S Luke 5:35 V-ASP-3S |
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