Brief Overview of ἄσπονδος (G786: áspondos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: áspondos

Root Words: The term ἄσπονδος (áspondos) is derived from the prefix ἀ- (a-) meaning “not” and σπονδή (spondē) meaning “libation” or “drink offering,” implying “without a drink offering” or “unpeaceful.”

Primary Meanings:

• Unpeaceful: Denotes a state of hostility or lack of reconciliation.
• Unappeased: Refers to a situation where an agreement or peace has not been established or maintained.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄσπονδος as “without a drink offering” or “unappeased.” The term is used metaphorically to describe situations of hostility or unresolved conflict, indicating a lack of reconciliation or peace.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄσπονδος as “unappeased” or “unfriendly,” highlighting its use in contexts where peace or reconciliation is absent.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἄσπονδος translates to “without a drink offering” and is used figuratively to denote lack of peace or unresolved conflict.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄσπονδος as “unappeased,” with emphasis on its use in contexts indicating a lack of peace or settlement.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἄσπονδος as “without a drink offering,” focusing on its metaphorical meaning of hostility or unresolved conflict.

Bible Verses:

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• Acts 7:26 (KJV): “And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying, Sirs, ye are brethren; why do ye wrong one to another?”
• Unappeased in the sense of unresolved conflict or hostility.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:3 (KJV): “For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.”
• The term is implied in the context of false peace or the absence of genuine reconciliation.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer’s Iliad: ἄσπονδος is used to describe conflicts or feuds that have not been resolved, emphasizing ongoing enmity.
• Herodotus’ Histories: The term appears in accounts of political or military disputes where agreements or peace terms have not been reached.
• Xenophon’s Anabasis: ἄσπονδος is used to describe situations where there is a lack of reconciliation or peace between factions or individuals.

4. Summary:

ἄσπονδος (G786: áspondos) primarily means “unpeaceful” or “unappeased,” indicating a state of unresolved conflict or hostility. Its usage in the Bible and classic Greek literature often denotes a lack of reconciliation or peace, reflecting its metaphorical sense of ongoing enmity or unresolved issues. The term highlights situations where agreements or peace have not been established or maintained.