[Greek] ἀκυρόω (akyroō), [Latin] irritare, [Latin] rescindere: to cancel, to revoke, to ‘irritate’ the laws (regulations), to invalidate, to disannul, to make void, to deprive of authority; Mt.15:6, Mk.7:13, Gal.3:17
Abraham and the Three Angels: painting by Gerbrand van den Eeckhout (1656). The angels prophesied that a son would be born to Abraham’s wife Sarah. God’s plans nullify Abraham’s and Sarah’s difficulties in having a child.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to make invalid, to rob of effectiveness, to put out of action, to render inoperative, to frustrate, to cancel, to set a side, to reject, and to render powerless. Dinarchus’ Against Demosthenes 1.63 states “One of the descendants of Harmodius was imprisoned in pursuance of your order. After proposing this treatment of yourself, are you overriding the decision of your own accord?” Josephus’ Antiquities 20.183 states “The principal Syrians in Cesarea persuaded Burrhus, Nero’s tutor, by giving him a great sum of money to disannul that equality of the Jewish privileges of citizens which they enjoyed.”
New Testament: This term means to nullify, to annul, and to make void. The Pharisees and scribes ask Jesus why His disciples do not wash their hands when eating a meal. Jesus points out that they are more concerned with Jewish purification rituals rather than honoring one’s father and mother. Jesus points to prophecy (Isa.19:13) referring to those honoring with their lips but focusing on human doctrines. Paul points out that God’s covenant promises to Abraham and his descendant (Christ) cannot be annulled, reversed, or altered. The Law does not have the authority to void this past covenant. God’s promises are not fulfilled with the observance of the Law.
Scripture:
“You nullify the Word of God in favor of your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many such things.” Mk.7:13
The Pharisees and scribes are more concerned with Jewish purification rituals and disregard following the commandments (honoring one’s father and mother). Jesus points that Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled about those who are more concerned with human traditions.
“This is what I mean: the law, which came four hundred thirty years afterward, does not annul a covenant ratified by God, so as to cancel the promise.” Gal.3:17
God made a covenant promise to Abraham and his descendant (Christ), which supersedes the Law.
Conclusion:
Irritate, irritation, rescind
I think that this is one of those terms that we all can relate to in one form or another. We all have been in situations when we have done this intentionally or unintentionally. Sometimes, we act like hypocrites in such matters. The Roman Empire nullified the rights of the Jews in Rome. The Jews later had to flee Rome.
The Pharisees and scribes were more concerned about Jewish purification rituals than following the commandments. Jesus points out that scripture was fulfilled by those who promote human traditions. Paul points out that the Law does not nullify or invalidate God’s covenantal promises to Abraham and his descendant Christ.
I would have not expected that the Latin verb irritare would be one the Latin meanings of this term. It is interesting to note that the laws (regulations) become ‘irritated’ when they become nullified. Essentially, the Latin verb rescindere means to cut back or to remove.
It is also quite interesting to note that the Latin meaning for covenant is sacramentum. Likewise, the Greek word mysterion, meaning secret thing, also refers to the sacraments. From the Catholic perspective, sacraments are essentially invisible aspects of grace made physically present.
Cancel culture: Unfortunately, our nation is being inundated by mob-like nullifiers, cancel culture (cultural cancellers), and a woke-child mob who are employing new human traditions. This phenomena has been occurring for several years now. The historical and present culture is essentially undergoing a purity test based on unrealistic standards. This sounds eerily similar to the Cultural Revolution in Communist China.
Either some are offended by something (or someone). Or others acquiesce to those who are being offended. There too many examples to illustrate. (Dis-inviting conservative speakers on campus, students needing safe spaces, cancelling movies and TV shows, defunding the police, removing opposing opinions in newspapers, removing white Europeans from history class, cancelling cultural events on campus, etc. (We can’t celebrate Cinco de Mayo because that would be cultural appropriation!)
What or who is next? Friends, Paw Patrol, Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner, George Washington, Rated-R movies
I think it is important to make the distinction between cancel culture and criminal activity (where people rightly get fired or prosecuted for their actions).
With persuasion, common sense, and God’s help, perhaps we can begin to cancel and nullify this madness. When does this end? That’s the real irritation!
Update: This madness is already beginning with Thomas Jefferson! https://www.blabber.buzz/conservative-news/923930-beginning-of-the-end-nyc-council-wants-to-remove-jefferson-from-our-history?utm_source=c-am&utm_medium=c-am-email&utm_term=c-am-ATT&utm_content=1C_grlhsqBAUKwAkOj78iAmm7