ἐδαφίζω
edaphízō
G1474 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To level, flatten, or raze (a structure) to the ground; to cause to be even with the ground, typically through deliberate destruction. The term is used particularly in the context of military siege or the destruction of cities and buildings, with the sense of complete demolition so that nothing remains above the ground.
Semantic Range
to level to the ground, to flatten, to demolish completely, to raze, to lay even with the ground, to cause utter destruction (of buildings, cities, or objects)
Root / Etymology
From ἔδαφος (edaphos, 'ground', 'base', 'bottom') with the verbal ending –ίζω (-izō), indicating the act of bringing down to the ground or making level. The formation denotes causative or resultative action relating to the root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Ἐδαφίζω appears in Koine Greek literature with a restricted and technical sense relating to the total destruction or razing of built structures. In Josephus and the Septuagint it typically refers to the military act of destroying cities or fortresses so completely that they are left level with the ground. The term is rare in classical Greek, with limited evidence prior to the Hellenistic era; its use increases in connection with sieges and warfare in the late Second Temple period. In Luke 19:44, the verb refers to the predicted destruction of Jerusalem, emphasizing total devastation. English translations often obscure the specific sense of 'to level down to the earth,' sometimes simply rendering it as 'destroy'; however, the original term stresses complete flattening or making even with the ground. Distinct from general terms for destroy (such as καταστρέφω) by its imagery of leaving nothing standing above the earth.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἔδαφος; to raze:--lay even with the ground.
Root Family
ἐδαφίζω (edaphizō) — to level, to bring down, to raze
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1474-01 |
ἐδαφιοῦσίν | edaphiousin | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
they will level | they will raze to the ground | they will level | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1474-01 |
Luke 19:44 | ἐδαφιοῦσίν | edaphiousin | V FUT ACT IND 3P PL |
they will level | they will raze to the ground | they will level |