Brief Overview of ἀποστερέω (G650: Aposteréō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Aposteréō

Root Words: The term ἀποστερέω (aposteréō) is derived from ἀπό (apó), meaning “from” or “away,” and στερέω (stéreo), meaning “to deprive” or “to withhold.”

Primary Meanings:

• To deprive of something, especially to withhold or take away.
• To leave in need or want by removing something essential or desired.
• To strip away or take something away from someone.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποστερέω as “to deprive someone of something” or “to withhold.” It focuses on the aspect of taking away or leaving someone without something necessary or beneficial. The term is used in contexts where something is removed or denied, leaving a person in a state of need.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποστερέω as “to deprive” or “to withhold,” emphasizing its use in situations where something is taken away from someone, often resulting in a lack or deficiency.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that ἀποστερέω means “to deprive” or “to withhold,” with a focus on its use in contexts involving the removal or denial of something needed or desired.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποστερέω as “to strip away” or “to deprive,” noting its application in contexts where something is taken away or withheld from someone, resulting in loss or deficiency.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀποστερέω as “to deprive” or “to withhold,” with emphasis on its use in contexts involving the removal or denial of something essential or desired.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Xenophon (Hellenica, 4th century BCE): Xenophon uses ἀποστερέω to describe the act of depriving individuals or groups of resources or supplies, illustrating its use in military and logistical contexts.

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle references ἀποστερέω in discussions of justice and ethics, where it is used to describe situations where individuals are deprived of what is rightfully theirs.

Plato (Republic, 4th century BCE): Plato employs the term to discuss the concept of deprivation in the context of social and political theory, showing its application in philosophical discourse about needs and rights.

4. Summary:

ἀποστερέω (aposteréō) means “to deprive” or “to withhold,” with a focus on removing or taking away something essential or desired from someone. Classic Greek literature provides examples of its use in military, ethical, and philosophical contexts, highlighting its application in situations involving the denial or removal of necessary resources or rights. Understanding ἀποστερέω offers insight into how deprivation and withholding were perceived and discussed in ancient Greek society.