[Greek] ἀφανίζω (aphanizō), [Latin] demolire, [Latin] disperdere, [Latin] exterminare: to vanish, to disappear, to destroy, to make unseen, to render unapparent, to corrupt, to perish, to disfigure, to ruin, to do away, to make ugly, to consume, to be destroyed, to make unsightly; Mt.6:16, Mt.6:19-20, Acts 13:41, Jam 4:14
Mt. Nebo is the place where Moses was allowed a view of the Promised Land. Moses was buried somewhere on this mountain, yet his burial place is still unseen (Deut.34:6).
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, conveying the sense of secrecy, emphasizes the disappearance of a person. Interestingly, this can be used in the negative (violent) sense of banishing, destroying, and killing. Herodotus’ Histories 7,6 states, “Onomacritus had been banished from Athens by Pisistratus’ son Hipparchus.” In the Peloponnesian war between Sparta and Athens, the Spartans were also fearful of the Helots, the Spartan peasant class (serfs). The Helots were led to believe (by the Spartans) that they would have their own freed status. The Helots were paraded through city with honors only to be later “disappeared” (killed) by the Spartans.
Old Testament: This term is related to many Hebrew terms which can convey destroying, separating, banishing, consuming, ceasing, hiding, prohibiting, and ruining. Even still more nuanced meanings can refer to being stunned, to lacking, and to ceasing. This lacking sense means not having, not being there, and not being available. Josephus’ Antiquities of the Jews states, “Now at this time it was that Elijah disappeared from among men, and no one knows of his death to this very day.” There is also no determination of this of Moses’ actual burial site. Moses was buried in the land of Moab, to this day no one know the place of his burial. (Deut.34:6). There was no man to cultivate the ground (Gen.2:5). Then he shall be guilty (Lev.5:3). That I may consume them in a moment (Num.16:21). So the people rested on the seventh day (Exo.16:30). Then these three mean ceased answering Job (Job.32:1). Elders are gone from the gate (Lam.5:14). I will make the land desolate (Lev.26:32). Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him (Gen.4:8).
New Testament: This term, in contrast to the Old Testament, is used less frequently. This term conveys neglecting one’s appearance, destroying earthly treasures, and disappearing. It is interesting to note that neglecting oneself can mean making oneself unsightly. A parable illustrates the importance of permanent spiritual treasures lasting much longer than temporary earthly treasures which may decay (be destroyed). Scoffers (doubters) and life itself both may briefly appear and then disappear.
Scripture:
“When you fast, do not look gloomy like the hypocrites. They neglect their appearance, so that they may appear to be fasting. Amen. I say to you, they have received their reward.” Mt.6:16
Jesus states that one should fast in secret. Interestingly, this term means to make one unsightly (less visibly appealing).
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and decay destroy, and thieves break in and steal.” Mt.6:19
Jesus speaks about earthly treasures which do not last and endure. Spiritual treasures are lasting and more valuable.
“You have no idea what your life will be like tomorrow. You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly then and disappears.” Jas.4:14
Each of our lives are uncertain and fleeting. We just live a brief period of existence.
Conclusion:
Vanish, banish, vanity, demolition, disperse, extermination, exterminate, dispersal
It is interesting to discover how this term can be used in a negative and violent sense. Perhaps it is not surprising that the words ‘vanish’ and ‘banish’ sound the same. Both of these words accomplish the same purpose of making something (someone) disappear.
I was also surprised that this term is associated with many Hebrew terms. Even nuanced senses, such as separating, consuming, and ceasing, occur. I would have never associated this with ceasing to observe rituals (traditions).
It is important to note that this term is used to convey that earthly treasures will not last. (We can’t take this “stuff” with us to heaven!) Jesus teaches that spiritual treasures, rather than earthly treasures, are often more lasting and more fulfilling. I think this can help each of us to understand about those times when we feel there is something missing (or lacking) in our lives. Oftentimes, earthly treasures cannot completely fill a person’s needs or longings. Only God can satisfy our longings. One cannot get more nuanced when “unsightly” (make ugly) means unattractive. This makes sense. I think we all can identify with this. We often do not want to been seen during those times when we are not at our best (unattractive or being ugly).
Unfortunately, in more recent history, ethnic groups or communities have sometimes had been “disappeared”, resulting in their deaths. Genocides or massacres become another term for these activities.
I have to say that some of these nuanced uses of this term were very unapparent (unseen) to me.