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G851 · Greek · New Testament
ἀφαιρέω
Aphaireō
Verb
To Take Away / To Remove / To Cut Off

Definition

The Greek verb aphaireō means to take away, remove, or cut off. It combines apo (away from) and haireō (to take). In the New Testament it appears in varied contexts: Peter cutting off the servant's ear at Gethsemane, God taking away Elizabeth's disgrace, and Revelation's solemn warning about removing words from the prophecy.

Usage & Theological Significance

Hebrews 10:4: 'it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away (aphairein) sins.' The entire Old Covenant sacrificial system could not accomplish the removal of sin — it only pointed forward to the one sacrifice that could. Luke 10:42: Mary's choice 'will not be taken away from her.' What Christ gives, no one can remove.

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 10:4 it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Luke 1:25 The Lord has taken away my disgrace among the people.
Luke 22:50 one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.
Revelation 22:19 if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away their share in the tree of life.
Luke 10:42 Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.

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