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G1844 · Greek · New Testament
ἐξορκίζω
exorkizo
Verb
to adjure; to put under oath; to exorcize

Definition

Exorkizo means to adjure — to put someone under a solemn oath or command in the name of a higher power. In Matthew 26:63 the high priest adjures Jesus: 'I adjure [exorkizo] you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ.' This is the formal legal procedure for compelling testimony under oath before God. The word is related to horkos (oath) and exorkistes (exorcist).

Usage & Theological Significance

The high priest's use of exorkizo at Jesus's trial is deeply ironic. He invokes the divine name to compel the very God incarnate to testify. Jesus answers truthfully — and His answer is taken as blasphemy. The God before whom all oaths are sworn is placed under oath by His creature. This inversion of authority reveals the nature of human rebellion: we wish to place God in the dock. Yet Jesus does not refuse. His response — 'You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power' — is the ultimate reversal.

Key Verses

Matthew 26:63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, 'I adjure [exorkizo] you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.'
Acts 19:13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits.
Mark 5:7 And crying out with a loud voice, he said, 'What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.'
Philippians 2:10 So that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.
Revelation 5:13 And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth... saying, 'To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!'

Related Words

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