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ROOT ( ῥßæá ).—The ‘root’ is that part essential to the life of a plant (Mat_13:6, Mar_4:6), which penetrates the earth, and draws sap and nourishment from the soil. ‘Root’ is, therefore, taken to signify that condition of heart without which religious life is impossible (Mat_13:21, Luk_8:13). The intelligent and stable Christian is described as ‘rooted’ in love (Eph_3:17), and ‘rooted’ in Christ (Col_2:7). Utter destruction is signified by plucking up by the root (Mat_13:29, Jud_1:12). The Baptist’s vivid ‘the axe is laid unto the root’ (Mat_3:10, Luk_3:9) points to the complete overthrow he desired for the rampant growth of evils in his day. As applied to Christ (Rev_5:5; Rev_22:16), the title ‘Root’ probably means more than ‘branch or sucker from an ancient root.’ Rather does it point to Him as Himself the ‘root’ whence David and his tribe sprang, appearing at last to manifest His transcendent power and glory.
W. Ewing.