Brief Overview of ἀσκέω (G778: askeō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: askeō

Root Words: The term ἀσκέω (askeō) comes from the Greek root ἄσκησις (askēsis), which means “training” or “exercise.”

Primary Meanings:

• To Practice or Exercise: Refers to the act of practicing or exercising, particularly in a disciplined or systematic manner.
• To Cultivate or Train: Indicates the cultivation or training of a skill or discipline, often related to physical or moral improvement.
• To Perform or Accomplish: In some contexts, it can mean to perform a specific task or to carry out an activity diligently.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσκέω as “to practice, train, or exercise,” particularly in the context of rigorous self-discipline or training. It often denotes an ongoing process of improvement or development.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσκέω as “to exercise oneself, to train,” reflecting its use in the context of physical training or spiritual discipline.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀσκέω means “to practice or train” and is used in various contexts, including moral and physical training.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσκέω as “to practice, exercise,” indicating its application in both physical training and the cultivation of skills or virtues.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀσκέω as “to exercise oneself, to train,” which aligns with the broader use of the term in classical and biblical contexts.

Bible Verses:

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• 1 Timothy 4:7 (KJV): “But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.”
• The term exercise translates from ἀσκέω, indicating the practice of spiritual discipline.
• Matthew 6:1 (KJV): “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.”
• Here, ἀσκέω is used in the context of practicing acts of righteousness.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer’s Iliad: The term appears in descriptions of physical training and preparation for battle, illustrating its use in athletic and military contexts.
• Plato’s Republic: Discusses the training of the soul and body, using terms related to ἀσκέω to describe the disciplined practice required for achieving virtue.
• Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics: References the practice and cultivation of moral virtues, aligning with the concept of ἀσκέω as training for ethical behavior.

4. Summary:

ἀσκέω (G778: askeō) primarily means to practice, train, or exercise, emphasizing disciplined effort and cultivation. The term is used both in physical and moral contexts, reflecting a rigorous approach to self-improvement and skill development. Understanding ἀσκέω provides insight into the processes of training and discipline in both biblical and classical Greek literature.