Lexical Summary haireó: To take, to choose, to prefer Original Word: αἱρέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance choose. Probably akin to airo; to take for oneself, i.e. To prefer -- choose. Some of the forms are borrowed from a cognate hellomai hel'-lom-ahee; which is otherwise obsolete. see GREEK airo HELPS Word-studies 138 hairéomai (a primitive verb, always in the Greek middle voice) – properly, lay hold of by a personal choice. [The Greek middle voice emphasizes the self-interest of the one preferring (deciding) to grasp or take.] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to take, choose NASB Translation choose (1), choosing (1), chosen (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 138: αἱρέωαἱρέω, (ῶ: (thought by some to be akin to ἄγρα, ἀγρέω, χείρ, English grip, etc.; cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Lexil. 1:131 — but see Curtius, § 117); to take. In the N. T. in the middle only: future αἱρήσομαι; 2 aorist εἱλόμην, but G L T Tr WH ἑιλάμην, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, cf. (Tdf. Proleg., p. 123; WHs Appendix, p. 165;) Winers Grammar, § 13, 1 a.; Buttmann, 40 (35), see ἀπέρχομαι at the beginning; (participle ἑλόμενος, Hebrews 11:25); to take for oneself, to choose, prefer: Philippians 1:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; μᾶλλον followed by infinitive with ἤ (common in Attic), Hebrews 11:25. (Compare: ἀναιρέω, ἀφαιρέω, διαιρέω, ἐξαιρέω, καθαιρέω, περιαιρέω, προαιρέω.) Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 138 conveys the idea of making a deliberate, well-considered choice. Scripture uses the verb both for God’s sovereign election and for thoughtful human decision, highlighting that true choosing is never random but always purposeful and value-laden. Biblical Occurrences • Philippians 1:22 – Paul weighs the options of fruitful labor on earth or being with Christ in glory: “Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!”. His uncertainty underscores that even apostolic desires must submit to the Lord’s ultimate will. Theological Emphases 1. Divine Election: In 2 Thessalonians believers are the passive recipients of God’s gracious choosing, highlighting unmerited favor and the security that flows from it (Ephesians 1:4; John 15:16). Historical Context • Moses’ decision took place amid Egypt’s splendor, making his choice counter-cultural and costly. Jewish listeners in the first century would recognize it as the archetype of covenant loyalty. Ministry Significance Pastors can draw on this verb to teach both security and responsibility: Practical Application • Personal Devotion: Regularly reaffirm one’s allegiance to Christ, allowing God’s prior choice to fuel daily choices for holiness. Intertextual Connections Acts 13:48 parallels 2 Thessalonians 2:13 in tying faith to divine appointment. Hebrews 11:26 links Moses’ choice to Christ’s greater riches, connecting Old and New Covenant motivations. Philippians 1:23-24 balances longing for heaven with commitment to earthly ministry, a theme echoed in 2 Corinthians 5:6-9. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 138 portrays choosing as a decisive, value-laden act that unites God’s sovereign purpose with human faithfulness. Its three New Testament uses encourage believers to rest in divine election, to embrace sacrificial obedience, and to seek the Spirit’s guidance in every crossroads of life. Forms and Transliterations αιρείται αιρησομαι αιρήσομαι αἱρήσομαι ειλατο είλατό εἵλατο είλετο είλοντο είλου ελομενος ελόμενος ἑλόμενος ελώμεθα ηρείτο airesomai airēsomai eilato elomenos hairesomai hairēsomai hairḗsomai heilato heílato helomenos helómenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Philippians 1:22 V-FIM-1SGRK: καὶ τί αἱρήσομαι οὐ γνωρίζω NAS: which to choose. KJV: yet what I shall choose I wot not. INT: and what I will choose not I know 2 Thessalonians 2:13 V-AIM-3S Hebrews 11:25 V-APM-NMS Strong's Greek 138 |