[Greek] αἱρέομαι (haireomai), [Latin] credere, [Latin] optare: to choose, to prefer, to take for oneself, to make a choice, to pick out; Php.1:22, 2Thess.2:13, Heb. 11:25
Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt: painting by Jozsef Molnar (1861)
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means to prefer and to make a choice. Xenophon’s Apology of Socrates 9 states “I shall prefer death to begging meanly for longer life and thus gaining a life far less worthy in exchange for death.” Epictetus’ Diatribe 1.11.12 states “Whenever we observe someone caught in two directions, we are in the habit of saying, ‘He is not a Judean, but only plays the part (hypokritenai). But when he takes upon himself the attitude of those who has been immersed and made his choice (haireomai), then he is really a Judean.’”
Old Testament: This term, used in an active and passive sense, means to choose, to select, to approve, to love, and to desire. Trial, examination and selection presume choice. I tested you in the furnace of affliction (Isa.48:10). How could I choose out arguments against him (Job.9:14). And you choose to speak like the crafty (Job.15:5). The Lord God has chosen you from all the people on the face of the earth (Deut.7:6). You will be ashamed of the terebinths which you desired (Isa.1:29). Death will be preferred to life by all the survivors of this wicked people hwo remain in any of the places which I banish them (Jer.8:3).
New Testament: This term means to select, to choose, and to prefer. Paul and Moses make choices between two distinct opportunities. Paul, already devoted to Christ, is undecided in how to be with Christ. If Paul lives, he will continue to labor for Christ. If Paul dies, he will be more deeply united to Him. Moses chose to lead his fellow Hebrews out of Egypt, rather than enjoy the luxurious life as the Pharaoh’s daughter’s son. Paul tells the Thessalonians that God chose them from the beginning as the community of God.
Scripture:
“If I go on living in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. And I do not know which I shall choose.” Php.1:22
Paul was undecided as to how to be with Christ, whether in martyrdom or in continued missionary work. Christ is central to Paul. Paul eventually expected that he would continue his missionary work.
“Moses chose to be ill-treated along with the people of God rather than enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin.” Heb.11:25
In contrast to Exo.2:11-15, Hebrews provides a Christological interpretation of Moses’ departure from Egypt. Moses choses to help his Hebrew people, rather than to live in Egyptian luxury.
“But we ought to give thanks to God for you always, brothers loved by the Lord, because God chose you as the the first-fruits for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in truth.” 2Thess.2:13
God shows His favor to us as He chooses us from the beginning.
Etymology: Interestingly, this term is related to other Greek words. The Greek hairesis, a choice (or choosing), relates to a religious party, false teaching, and division. This Greek term leads to the modern day term heresy. The Greek heretikos, causing division, refers to being divisive and schismatic. This Greek term leads to the modern day term heretical. Making a choice becomes the underlying meaning of these terms.
Conclusion:
Credence, creed, heresy, heretical, opt, optics
Essentially, this term pertains to making a choice. Socrates makes a choice about his quality of life. One, who pretends or plays a part, also makes a choice. Heresy and heretical things all come from making a choice (to deceive, to betray, or to fall away). In the Old Testament, this term is used quite frequently. Other meanings come from choosing. Such examples include examining, selecting, desiring, loving, and approving.
In the New Testament, Moses and Paul each had two distinct choices. God chose His people from the beginning.
Update: The new administration, Democrats, Liberals, and Progressives all are going to have to make a choice (decision) of whether or not to pass legislation that Republicans and Conservatives can support. So far, they have not shown any credibility reaching across the political aisle. This legislation is so bad that the other side cannot support it. (Talk about terrible political optics).
Choices can have (and leave) both positive and negative consequences. What choice(s) will you make?