Brief Overview of αἰσθάνομαι (G143)

The Greek word αἰσθάνομαι (aisthánomai) means “to perceive,” “to feel,” or “to understand.” It generally refers to the process of perceiving something through the senses, such as seeing, hearing, or feeling, and can also imply mental or emotional understanding.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G143 αἰσθάνομαι (aisthánomai): Strong’s defines this term as “to perceive,” “to feel,” or “to understand.” The verb is used in contexts where sensory perception or awareness is involved (e.g., Matthew 14:31, where Jesus perceives Peter’s fear) and also in instances requiring mental or emotional recognition (e.g., John 7:39, where the Spirit is understood as being given). Strong’s highlights the term’s use in both physical and cognitive senses.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἰσθάνομαι means “to perceive,” “to feel,” or “to understand.” Thayer’s lexicon elaborates that it involves the act of sensing or perceiving something through the senses, such as sight or hearing (e.g., Matthew 14:31), as well as gaining mental or emotional awareness (e.g., John 7:39). Thayer’s emphasizes the term’s application in recognizing and comprehending both tangible and intangible experiences.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB describes αἰσθάνομαι as “to perceive,” “to feel,” or “to understand.” The lexicon highlights its use in sensory perception (e.g., Matthew 14:31) and understanding or recognizing something in a broader sense (e.g., John 7:39). BDB’s explanation reflects the term’s use in capturing sensory and cognitive experiences.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἰσθάνομαι as “to perceive,” “to feel,” or “to understand.” It provides examples from classical and New Testament Greek where the term is used to describe sensory awareness or perception (e.g., Matthew 14:31) and mental comprehension or realization (e.g., John 7:39). LSJ notes the term’s broad application to both physical and intellectual experiences.

In summary, αἰσθάνομαι refers to the processes of perceiving through the senses, feeling, or understanding, and is applied in both literal sensory contexts and figurative cognitive or emotional contexts throughout the New Testament.