Original Word: ἐξορκίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: exorkizó
Pronunciation: ex-or-KEE-zo
Phonetic Spelling: (ex-or-kid'-zo)
KJV: adjure
NASB: adjure
Word Origin: [from G1537 (ἐκ - among) and G3726 (ὁρκίζω - adjure)]

1. to exact an oath, i.e. conjure

adjure.

From ek and horkizo; to exact an oath, i.e. Conjure -- adjure.

see GREEK ek

see GREEK horkizo

1844 eksorkízō (from 1537 /ek, "completely out from," intensifying 3726 /horkízō, "adjure") – properly, to adjure, putting someone under strict oath (used only in Mt 26:63).

Word Origin
from ek and horkizó
Definition
to administer an oath, to adjure
NASB Translation
adjure (1).

STRONGS NT 1844: ἐξορκίζω

ἐξορκίζω;

1. to exact an oath, to force to an oath (Demosthenes, Polybius, Apollod., Diodorus, Plutarch, others), for which the earlier Greeks used ἐξορκόω (cf. Winer's Grammar, 102 (97)).

2. to adjure: τινα κατά τίνος, one by a person (cf. κατά, I. 2 a.), followed by ἵνα (Buttmann, 237 (205)), Matthew 26:63; (Genesis 24:3).

Strong’s Greek 1844 — Exorkizō

Primary New Testament Usage

Matthew 26:63 records the sole occurrence: “But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, ‘I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.’”. Here the term denotes a formal, binding adjuration that obligates the hearer to speak truth before God.

Legal and Ritual Background

Adjuring another “by the living God” drew upon established Jewish legal custom. In cases where testimony was withheld or disputed, a judge or priest could place a party under oath (compare Leviticus 5:1; Numbers 5:19). Refusal to comply after such an appeal exposed the person to divine judgment. By using this formula, Caiaphas invoked the highest authority available, intending to compel a definitive self-disclosure from Jesus.

Christological Significance

1. Messiahship revealed. The high priest’s demand, though meant to ensnare, providentially precipitated a clear confession (Matthew 26:64). Jesus, who had remained silent to fulfill Isaiah 53:7, spoke once the divine Name was invoked, demonstrating perfect obedience to the Law that required testimony under solemn oath.
2. Fulfillment of prophecy. The moment fulfills Psalm 110:1 and Daniel 7:13 as Jesus identifies Himself as the Son of Man destined to sit at God’s right hand.
3. Contrast of righteousness and hypocrisy. While Caiaphas misused sacred authority, Jesus honored the oath and testified truly, exposing religious leaders who would condemn Him for blasphemy even as they themselves violated legal procedure (Matthew 26:65–66).

Continuity with Old Testament Precedent

The practice of adjuration appears in 1 Kings 22:16, where King Ahab demands that Micaiah speak “in the Name of the LORD,” and in Joshua 6:26, where Joshua “charged” Israel regarding Jericho. Exorkizō thus stands in line with covenantal language that treats God as witness to human words and actions.

Relationship to Demonic Expulsion Language

Although the verb here pertains to legal oath-taking, its root is shared with terms for expelling demons (Acts 19:13 uses the cognate noun “exorcists”). Both ideas involve invoking divine authority—either to elicit truthful speech or to command unclean spirits. This commonality underscores Scripture’s teaching that ultimate authority resides in God alone; whether confronting evil spirits or confronting falsehood, His Name compels a response.

Historical Church Usage

Early Christian liturgies incorporated adjurations during baptismal rites (“Do you renounce the devil...?”). Patristic writings show bishops instructing catechumens to confess Christ openly under oath, mirroring Jesus’ good confession before Caiaphas (1 Timothy 6:13). The church came to view perjury as a grave sin, recognizing that careless oaths invited divine judgment (James 5:12).

Ethical and Pastoral Implications

1. Integrity of speech. Believers should speak truthfully without manipulation; yet when civil or ecclesiastical authorities require sworn testimony, followers of Christ may lawfully comply, bearing witness to the truth as their Lord did.
2. Reverence for God’s Name. Invoking the Lord to bolster dishonest or trivial statements violates the Third Commandment and invites condemnation (Exodus 20:7).
3. Discernment in authority. Caiaphas’ example warns against wielding sacred authority for unjust ends. Leaders must ensure that any call to oath aligns with righteousness and justice.

Missional Application

Jesus’ willingness to testify under oath became a catalyst for the gospel. His confession led to the cross, resurrection, and worldwide proclamation of His lordship. When Christians give honest testimony—especially under pressure—they echo that moment and point observers to the living God who judges and saves.

Summary

Exorkizō in Matthew 26:63 embodies the gravity of invoking the living God as witness. It highlights Jesus’ flawless obedience, exposes human corruption, and calls the church to truthful, reverent speech rooted in the authority of God’s unchanging Word.

Εξορκιζω εξορκίζω Ἐξορκίζω εξορκιώ εξώρκισας Exorkizo Exorkizō Exorkízo ExorkízōInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts