Brief Overview of ἀποτολμάω (G662: Apotolmáō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apotolmáō

Root Words: The verb ἀποτολμάω is derived from ἀπο- (apo-), meaning “away from” or “off,” and τολμάω (tolmáō), meaning “to dare” or “to be bold.” Hence, ἀποτολμάω conveys a sense of daring or undertaking something significant with a bold or audacious spirit.

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Primary Meanings:

• To undertake something with boldness or audacity.
• To dare to do something difficult or challenging.
• To venture into a task or action with courage and determination.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποτολμάω as “to venture boldly” or “to undertake with daring,” emphasizing the courage and audacity involved in taking on significant challenges or tasks.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποτολμάω as “to dare to undertake,” highlighting the boldness required to face or accomplish something difficult or risky.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀποτολμάω means “to undertake with boldness” or “to venture,” focusing on the element of audacity in undertaking tasks or challenges.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποτολμάω as “to dare” or “to undertake something with courage,” emphasizing the boldness and initiative involved.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀποτολμάω as “to dare” or “to venture boldly,” reflecting its use in contexts where courage and audacity are required.

Bible Verses:

• Acts 28:15 (NIV): “The brothers and sisters there had heard that we were coming, and they traveled as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. At the sight of these people, Paul thanked God and was encouraged.” (The boldness and journey involved in meeting Paul reflects the daring nature of ἀποτολμάω.)
• 2 Corinthians 11:21 (NIV): “To my shame I admit that we were too weak for that! What anyone else dares to boast about—I am speaking as a fool—I also dare to boast about.” (Here, the notion of daring or undertaking is reflected in Paul’s challenge.)

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Plato (Dialogues, 4th century BCE): Plato uses terms related to ἀποτολμάω to describe bold philosophical ventures or discussions that require significant courage and intellectual daring.

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle employs related concepts to discuss acts of boldness or courage in the context of ethical behavior and moral courage.

Sophocles (Tragedies, 5th century BCE): Sophocles uses terms akin to ἀποτολμάω in his plays to describe characters who undertake daring or audacious actions, highlighting the boldness required for such undertakings.

4. Summary:

ἀποτολμάω (apotolmáō) signifies the act of undertaking something with boldness or daring. It reflects the courage and audacity necessary to face significant challenges or ventures. This term is used to describe both physical and metaphorical acts of daring, and its application in classical Greek literature underscores its association with bold, audacious actions. In biblical texts, it highlights the courage involved in undertaking important or challenging tasks.