[Greek] ἐξορκίζω (exorkizō), [Latin] conjurare: to administer an oath, to adjure, to exact an oath, to force to an oath, to charge under oath, to appeal by an oath, to bind by an oath; Mt.26:63
The Original Hippocratic Oath
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to cause to swear, to put on an oath, and to invoke someone (deity or demon). One invokes a deity in order to be accountable to his actions. If the oath swearer say something false or fails to do what is promised, he will receive the deity’s vengeance. The oath swearer will hold up his hand in the location (sphere) of the deity (as if the deity is present during this ritual). In addition, the oath swearer may touch items (trinkets and altars) representing the deity. Other rituals may involve taking a drink (libation), burning incense, walking through fire, sacrificing animals, and cutting one’s finger (to drip blood). Homer’s hymn states, “Touching the head of Aegis-bearing Jove, a mighty oath she swore, and hath fulfilled, that she among the goddesses of heaven would still a virgin be.” A military oath in Aeschylus’ play The Seven Chiefs states, “A bull they slew, and touching with their hand the sacrificial stream, they called aloud on Mars, Enyo, and bloodthirsty Fear, and swore an oath, or in the dust to lay these walls, and give our people to the sword, or perishing to steep the land in blood.”
Old Testament: The Hebrew shevah means oath, to raise one’s hand, or to “seven” oneself. In contrast to contracts which involve the exchange of goods and services, covenants create kinship between the two who are making the covenant. An oath is necessary in order to create a covenant. Making an oath is to call upon the power of God to bind Satan and evil. This is an action of engaging God for help to pledge oneself to the other. Covenants have been the means by which God has maintained His faithful relationship with man over history. This is why the place is called Beer-sheba; the two of them took an oath here (Gen.21:31). For I raise my hand to heavens and will say: ‘As surely as live forever…with vengeance I will repay my foes and requite those who hate me (Deut.32:40-41). I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and of earth, that you will not procure a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites (Gen.24:3). The eleven hundred shekels of silver over which you pronounced a curse in my hearing when they were taken from you, are in my possession (Jgs. 17:2)
New Testament: Interestingly, this term occurring only once in the New Testament, means to charge under oath. At Jesus’ trial, the high priests demands that Jesus give an oath (by the living God) to state His claim of being the Messiah and the Son of God. Jesus states that the high priest made such a claim and that He will be at the right hand of God in heaven. The infuriated high priest then accused Jesus of blasphemy. Jesus is disrobed, struck, and eventually placed under arrest.
Scripture:
“But Jesus was silent. Then the high priest said to Him, ‘I order you to tell us under oath before the living God whether you are the Messiah, the Son of God.’” Mt. 26:63
The high priest demands that Jesus swear before God.
Conclusion:
Exorcise, exorcism, conjure
It is interesting to note that the original meaning of this term involved making an oath or promise. Along with this comes putting one under a curse if one fails to carry out this oath. It was also very insightful to understand the significance of raising one’s hand in the direction of the god (deity) and placing one’s hands on an object associated with the god. It was as if the god was there at the oath swearing in the first place. Therefore, it makes sense that one would swear on a bible (representing God).
Taking an oath was necessary in order to make a covenant. A covenant was much more significant than a contract. The meaning of numbers play an important role in both the Old Testament and New Testament. Seven is a number of perfection. In spite of humanity’s many failures to live up to their covenant promises, God has always remained faithful in His promises.
It is very ironic that the chief priest demanded that Jesus make an oath before God. As a result, Jesus is eventually accused and arrested for blasphemy.
It is later in that this term becomes associated with driving out demons. The Greek word for oath is mysterion. The Latin word for oath is sacramentum. A Roman soldier would often have a tattoo (sacramentum) showing his loyalty to his superior. Both of these terms refer to a sacrament, an invisible aspect of God’s grace. In Eph.5:32 mysterion also describes the marriage relationship between man and woman. So, it is not surprising that marriage is an oath. God is the original author of marriage. Unfortunately, the sense of oath in marriage has been lacking in recent times, I swear.