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G2390 · Greek · New Testament
ἰάομαι
iaomai
Verb
to heal, cure, restore to health

Definition

The verb iaomai means to heal completely and thoroughly — to restore to full health and wholeness. It differs subtly from therapeuō (G2323, to treat/care for) in that iaomai emphasizes the completed result: the person is healed. In the NT it is used of Jesus' miraculous healings and, significantly, of the spiritual healing that flows from His atoning work.

Usage & Theological Significance

Isaiah 53:5 LXX is the prophetic foundation: 'and by his wounds we are healed [iathēmen].' Peter quotes this directly in 1 Peter 2:24: 'by his wounds you have been healed [iathēte]' — applying the physical healing imagery to the spiritual restoration of sinners. Jesus uses iaomai in Luke 4:18 (quoting Isaiah 61:1) to announce His messianic mission: 'He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free' — healing as embodied proclamation of the kingdom. John 12:40 quotes Isaiah 6:10 as the reason for Jewish unbelief: their hearts cannot turn and be healed [iaomai] — indicating that spiritual perception and healing are inseparable. Hebrews 12:13 applies iaomai to communal life: make level paths 'so that what is lame may not be dislocated but rather be healed' — the church as a healing community.

Key Bible Verses

Isaiah 53:5 / 1 Peter 2:24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross… by his wounds you have been healed [iathēte].
Luke 6:19 …and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing [iato] them all.
John 4:47 When this man heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee… he begged him to come and heal [iasētai] his son.
Hebrews 12:13 …so that what is lame may not be dislocated but rather healed [iathē].
James 5:16 …pray for each other so that you may be healed [iathēte]. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

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External Resources

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