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σαρόω

saróō

G4563 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To sweep, specifically to remove dust, dirt, or refuse by means of a broom or similar implement. The term conveys the act of cleaning or clearing a surface, often a floor or area, of debris. In extended contexts, it may denote thorough removal or clearing out, with attention to completeness.

Semantic Range

to sweep (with a broom), to clear away by brushing, to clean (a floor or space) by removing dirt or debris

Root / Etymology

Derives from a postulated noun σᾶρον (broom, sweeping implement), itself uncertain in origin; possibly related to the verb σύρω (to sweep, drag), but the connection is primarily formal. The root meaning centers on actions associated with sweeping or dragging away.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in Hellenistic Greek and the Septuagint, σαρόω is a relatively rare verb, appearing primarily in contexts of domestic cleaning or ritual purging by sweeping. In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 15:8), it describes the action of sweeping a house in search of something lost, emphasizing both thoroughness and the use of a broom. The verb does not carry common extended metaphorical senses in biblical Greek, such as comprehensive destruction or judgment, as seen with some related verbs in Hebrew/Aramaic or in later Greek literature. In comparison to σύρω (to draw, drag), σαρόω is more specifically associated with sweeping as an act of cleaning. English translations like “sweep” capture the action but may not fully reflect the physicality and attention to detail conveyed in Greek usage. There is little evidence for a broader sense in Koine secular usage, where it maintains a focus on tangible actions rather than abstract cleansing.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of (to brush off; akin to σύρω); meaning a broom; to sweep:--sweep.

Root Family

σαρόω (saroō) — to sweep, to clean by sweeping, to clear away debris

Root σαρ- to sweep, to clean by sweeping

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4563-02 σεσαρωμένον sesaromenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG swept having been swept clean having been swept clean 2
G4563-01 σαροῖ saroi V PRS ACT IND 3P SG sweep he/she sweeps she sweeps 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4563-02 Matthew 12:44 σεσαρωμένον sesaromenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG swept having been swept clean having been swept clean
G4563-02 Luke 11:25 σεσαρωμένον sesaromenon V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG swept having been swept clean having been swept clean
G4563-01 Luke 15:8 σαροῖ saroi V PRS ACT IND 3P SG sweep he/she sweeps she sweeps
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