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G1846 · Greek · New Testament
ἐξορύσσω
exorusso
Verb
to dig out; to break through; to gouge out

Definition

Exorusso combines ex (out) and orusso (to dig). It appears in Mark 2:4, where four men carrying a paralytic 'dug through' (exoruxantes) the roof to lower their friend to Jesus. It also appears in Galatians 4:15 where Paul says the Galatians would have 'gouged out their eyes' to give to him. Both uses convey radical, costly action motivated by love.

Usage & Theological Significance

The friends who dug through the roof for their paralyzed companion model intercessory faith in action. They did not wait for a convenient opportunity; they created one. The exorusso of their digging is an image of the kind of friendship that refuses to accept 'no access' to Jesus. This is what prayer looks like — breaking through every obstacle to bring a loved one before Christ. The Galatians' willingness to 'gouge out their eyes' shows the depth of their original love for Paul — and makes their current desertion of the gospel all the more heartbreaking.

Key Verses

Mark 2:4 And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had dug through [exoruxantes], they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.
Galatians 4:15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out [exoruxantes] your eyes and given them to me.
Mark 2:5 And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, 'Son, your sins are forgiven.'
Luke 11:9 And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.
James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.

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