Brief Overview of ἀντλέω (Strong’s G501)

The Greek word ἀντλέω (antleō) means “to draw” or “to draw out.” It is derived from the verb ἀντάω (antaō), which means “to draw out” or “to take out,” combined with the preposition ἀντί (anti), which adds a sense of substitution or exchange. The primary meaning of ἀντλέω is to draw or extract a liquid, such as drawing water from a well. In biblical contexts, it can also imply a broader sense of drawing out or obtaining something.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀντλέω (antleō) specifically means “to draw,” with an emphasis on drawing water. The definition includes the action of drawing or extracting a liquid, typically from a well or a similar source.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG expands on this meaning, defining ἀντλέω as “to draw out,” particularly in the context of drawing water from a well. BDAG highlights its usage in the sense of extracting or obtaining something, not limited to liquids but applicable in a metaphorical sense as well.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ defines ἀντλέω as “to draw” or “to draw out,” focusing on the practical aspect of drawing water from a well. It also notes the term’s application to other contexts where something is extracted or obtained.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s provides a detailed explanation, defining ἀντλέω as “to draw out” or “to draw up,” particularly in reference to water. Thayer’s emphasizes the term’s use in drawing or obtaining something, reflecting both its literal and metaphorical applications.

In summary, ἀντλέω (antleō) primarily means “to draw” or “to draw out,” with a specific emphasis on extracting water from a well. Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s all agree on its primary meaning and usage, with additional notes on its broader applications in drawing or obtaining various things.