Brief Overview of Γραώδης (G1126: Graōdēs)

Graōdēs (γραώδης) is a Greek adjective found under Strong’s Concordance number G1126. The word is derived from the Greek noun γραῦς (graus), meaning “old woman.” The suffix -ώδης (-ōdēs) typically denotes likeness or resemblance. Thus, Graōdēs literally means “resembling an old woman” or “characteristic of an old woman.” In its primary usage, Graōdēs refers to something that is characteristic of an old woman, often carrying connotations of being antiquated, superstitious, or overly cautious, which reflects the stereotypical attributes associated with elderly women in ancient Greek culture.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Graōdēs is described as “resembling an old woman,” with a focus on its figurative usage to describe something as old-womanish, superstitious, or based on old wives’ tales. BDAG notes that this term carries a pejorative connotation, reflecting the cultural attitudes towards the elderly and the perception of their wisdom as outdated or overly cautious.

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Thayer’s Lexicon agrees with BDAG, defining Graōdēs as “characteristic of an old woman” or “superstitious.” Thayer’s highlights the use of the term in contexts where beliefs or behaviors are dismissed as old-fashioned or lacking in rationality, often being associated with folklore or superstition that might be passed down by elderly women.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon similarly defines Graōdēs as “old-womanish” or “resembling an old woman,” emphasizing its use to describe superstitious or overly cautious behaviors. LSJ points out that the term was often used in a derogatory manner to critique beliefs or practices that were viewed as outdated or irrational.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Graōdēs as “resembling an old woman,” focusing on its figurative application to denote superstitious or fanciful ideas. The concordance highlights that the term is used in the New Testament to describe teachings that are not based on sound doctrine but rather on superstitions or myths.

The word Graōdēs is directly mentioned in 1 Timothy 4:7, where Paul advises Timothy to “have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales (γραώδεις).” Here, Graōdēs is used to characterize the myths and tales as superstitious and unworthy of attention, contrasting them with the sound teaching of the faith.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Graōdēs is used sparingly, but it is often found in contexts where beliefs, behaviors, or customs are critiqued for being superstitious or overly cautious. One example is in the writings of Plutarch, where the term is used to describe certain superstitious practices associated with elderly women, particularly those that were considered irrational or unfounded.

Another example can be found in Lucian’s satirical works, where he uses Graōdēs to mock the superstitious beliefs that were commonly held by the elderly, often linking them to old wives’ tales or folklore. Lucian’s use of the term highlights its pejorative connotation and its association with outdated or irrational thinking.

A third example is from Aristophanes, who employs the term Graōdēs in his comedies to satirize characters who adhere to old-fashioned or superstitious beliefs, often portraying them as foolish or overly cautious. This usage underscores the term’s function as a critique of antiquated or irrational ideas.

Summary

Graōdēs (γραώδης) is a Greek adjective that means “resembling an old woman” or “characteristic of an old woman,” derived from γραῦς (graus), meaning “old woman.” The term is primarily used to describe beliefs or behaviors that are considered superstitious, antiquated, or overly cautious, often carrying a pejorative connotation. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ describe Graōdēs as reflecting cultural attitudes towards the elderly and their perceived wisdom. In classical Greek literature, Graōdēs is used to critique superstitious or old-fashioned beliefs, often in a satirical or derogatory manner. In the New Testament, the term appears in 1 Timothy 4:7, where it is used to warn against adhering to godless myths and old wives’ tales, emphasizing the importance of sound doctrine over superstitious or irrational ideas.