Brief Overview of αὐτόματος (G844: automatos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: automatos

Root Words: The Greek word αὐτόματος (automatos) is derived from αὐτός (autos), meaning “self,” and the root μᾶ (ma), which is related to the concept of will or motion. Together, these elements form the idea of something that happens “by itself” or “automatically.”

Primary Meanings:

• Self-Acting: αὐτόματος primarily refers to something that operates or moves on its own without external influence, functioning “automatically” or “spontaneously.”
• Of Its Own Accord: The term also conveys the idea of something occurring naturally or of its own accord, without needing to be set in motion by an external force.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: According to BDAG, αὐτόματος is defined as “acting of itself, spontaneous.” The lexicon points out that the term is used to describe actions or processes that occur naturally, without direct human intervention. BDAG highlights its usage in the New Testament in the context of growth or development that happens without visible cause.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines αὐτόματος as “moved by one’s own impulse, or by a natural law.” Thayer’s notes that the word often describes phenomena that appear to occur naturally or by themselves, as if following an inherent principle.

Vines: In Vines’ Expository Dictionary, αὐτόματος is described as “self-acting” or “spontaneous.” Vines emphasizes that the term indicates something that happens without external compulsion, functioning in a way that seems independent or natural.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines αὐτόματος as “self-moving” or “spontaneous,” especially in contexts where something occurs naturally or without obvious cause. It notes that the word is often used in classical literature to describe natural processes or events that happen seemingly on their own.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s lists αὐτόματος as meaning “automatic” or “of one’s own accord,” focusing on the idea of self-propelling or self-operating processes.

Bible Verses:

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• Mark 4:28 (KJV): “For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself; first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.”
• In this verse, αὐτόματος is translated as “of herself,” indicating that the earth produces fruit naturally or automatically, without external intervention.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle uses the concept of αὐτόματος to describe natural or spontaneous actions that occur without deliberate choice, highlighting the idea of processes that follow their own inherent logic.
• Herodotus: In his Histories, Herodotus refers to events that occur αὐτόματος, meaning that they happened spontaneously or without apparent cause, reflecting a broader understanding of natural phenomena.
• Plato: In Timaeus, Plato discusses the concept of αὐτόματος in relation to the cosmos, describing natural processes that function independently of human intervention, driven by their own internal principles.

4. Summary:

αὐτόματος (automatos) is a Greek adjective meaning “self-acting” or “automatic.” It is derived from αὐτός (autos), meaning “self,” and the root μᾶ (ma), which relates to will or motion. The term describes something that operates or occurs naturally, without external influence. In various lexicons, including BDAG and Thayer’s, αὐτόματος is understood as referring to spontaneous or self-propelled actions. In the New Testament, the word is used to describe natural processes, such as the earth producing fruit “of herself” (Mark 4:28). In classical Greek literature, philosophers like Aristotle, Herodotus, and Plato employ the concept to explain natural or spontaneous phenomena that occur independently of human action. Understanding αὐτόματος provides insights into both biblical texts and ancient philosophical discussions about the nature of self-driven processes and events.