μεσιτεύω
mesiteúō
G3315 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To act as a mediator or intermediary; to intercede or intervene between two parties, primarily to bring about an agreement or reconciliation. In extended contexts, it can mean to serve as a guarantor or to ensure the ratification of an agreement or covenant.
Semantic Range
to mediate, to intervene between parties, to act as an arbitrator or go-between, to intercede, to guarantee or confirm by mediation, to ratify (by acting as intermediary)
Root / Etymology
From μεσίτης (mesitēs), meaning 'mediator'—itself derived from μέσος ('middle'), indicating 'one who is in the middle' between two parties.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb μεσιτεύω is relatively rare in extant Greek literature and is primarily attested in Hellenistic and later Koine Greek. It reflects the action of a 'mediator' (μεσίτης), whose function was well established in Greek legal and social contexts as one who negotiates or reconciles opposing parties. In papyri, μεσιτεύω carries both the sense of mediating disputes and guaranteeing that agreements will be upheld, sometimes functioning similarly to a legal surety. In biblical contexts (e.g., Galatians 3:19-20 LXX and non-biblical papyri), the emphasis is usually on intercessory negotiation rather than ratification alone. English translations like 'confirm' or 'ratify' in older translations capture only a portion of the action; the principal sense is that of mediation or brokering peace or agreement. This verb should be distinguished from συμβιβάζω (to reconcile specifically) and ἐγγυάομαι (to guarantee). The concept of a μεσίτης (mediator/intermediary) was significant in discussions of legal, social, and religious processes in both Hellenistic and Roman contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μεσίτης; to interpose (as arbiter), i.e (by implication) to ratify (as surety):--confirm.
Root Family
μεσιτεύω (mesiteuō) — to mediate, to intercede, to act as an intermediary
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3315-01 |
ἐμεσίτευσεν | emesiteusen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
confirmed | he mediated | he mediated | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3315-01 |
Hebrews 6:17 | ἐμεσίτευσεν | emesiteusen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
confirmed | he mediated | he mediated |