Brief Overview of ἀλυσιτής (G255)

ἀλυσιτής (alysitēs) is a Greek adjective meaning “free from chains” or “unbound.” It describes a state of being without physical or metaphorical chains or constraints. The term emphasizes freedom or liberation from anything that binds or restricts.

1. Meaning:

• Literal: Refers to being free from physical chains or bonds.
• Metaphorical: Implies freedom from metaphorical constraints or limitations.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἀλυσιτής as “unbound” or “free from chains,” used in both literal and figurative senses. The lexicon notes that this term can describe someone who is not physically restrained by chains and can also be used metaphorically to indicate freedom from constraints or limitations.

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

• LSJ includes ἀλυσιτής with a similar definition: “free from chains” or “unbound.” The lexicon acknowledges its use in describing physical freedom from restraints and its broader metaphorical application to signify liberation from various forms of restriction.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines ἀλυσιτής as “free from chains” or “unbound,” emphasizing its use in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Thayer’s definition highlights the term’s relevance in describing both physical freedom from chains and the metaphorical freedom from constraints.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance identifies ἀλυσιτής as meaning “unbound” or “free from chains,” focusing on its application in both literal and metaphorical contexts. It indicates that the term is used to describe a state of being without physical restraints and, by extension, freedom from metaphorical limitations.

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Summary:
ἀλυσιτής means “free from chains” or “unbound,” referring to both literal freedom from physical restraints and metaphorical freedom from constraints. BDAG, LSJ, Thayer, and Strong’s Concordance consistently describe the term in these contexts, highlighting its application to describe a state of liberation from both physical and metaphorical bonds.