Brief Overview of ἀσύνετος (G801: Asynetos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Asynetos

Root Words: The term ἀσύνετος is derived from the prefix α- (a-) meaning “without” and σύνετος (synetos), which means “understanding” or “intelligent.”

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Primary Meanings:

• Unintelligent: The primary meaning of ἀσύνετος is “unintelligent” or “without understanding.” It describes a state of lacking in intellectual or moral insight.
• Foolish: It can also imply “foolish” or “senseless,” reflecting a lack of practical wisdom or discernment.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσύνετος as “lacking in understanding” or “foolish,” with a focus on the absence of insight or practical wisdom. It describes individuals who lack the ability to understand or make sound judgments.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσύνετος as “without understanding,” reflecting a deficiency in intellectual or moral discernment.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary characterizes ἀσύνετος as “unintelligent” or “foolish,” emphasizing a lack of wisdom or insight.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσύνετος as “senseless” or “unwise,” consistent with its usage to describe someone who lacks sound judgment or understanding.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀσύνετος as “unwise,” highlighting its use to denote a lack of understanding or practical insight.

Bible Verses:

• Luke 24:25 (KJV): “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”
• Romans 1:14 (KJV): “I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.”

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In his works, Aristotle often contrasts ἀσύνετος with those who are σύνετος (wise or discerning), using the term to describe individuals who lack intellectual and practical insight.
• Plato: In dialogues such as Protagoras, Plato uses the concept of ἀσύνετος to explore themes of wisdom and ignorance, highlighting the distinction between those who possess understanding and those who do not.
• Sophocles: In plays like Oedipus Rex, the term ἀσύνετος can be used to describe characters who fail to recognize important truths or make wise decisions, emphasizing their lack of insight.

4. Summary:

ἀσύνετος (Asynetos) means “unintelligent” or “foolish,” indicating a lack of understanding or practical wisdom. It reflects a state of being without insight or discernment. In classic Greek literature, this term is used to describe individuals who lack the ability to make sound judgments or who are deficient in intellectual or moral insight, contrasting sharply with those who are wise or discerning.