Brief Overview of ἄτερ (G817: Áter)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Áter

Root Words: The term ἄτερ (áter) is used as a preposition or adverb in Greek, and it means “without” or “except.”

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Primary Meanings:

• Without: Indicates the absence of something.
• Except: Used to specify an exclusion or exception.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄτερ as “without” or “except,” highlighting its role in denoting the absence of something or an exclusion from a statement.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon explains ἄτερ as “without,” used to convey the idea of something being absent or not included.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary describes ἄτερ as “without” or “except,” noting its function in denoting something not included or lacking.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes ἄτερ as “without” or “except,” focusing on its use to indicate the exclusion of something.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄτερ as “without,” affirming its use to signify the absence or exclusion of something.

Bible Verses:

• Galatians 3:20 (KJV): “Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.”
• Here, ἄτερ is used in a context of exclusion, emphasizing the singular nature of God’s role.
• Hebrews 10:10 (KJV): “By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
• The term ἄτερ is used to indicate the exclusion of other means of sanctification, focusing on the singular effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Herodotus: In his historical accounts, Herodotus uses ἄτερ to indicate exclusions or exceptions in his descriptions of events or practices.
• Plato: Plato employs ἄτερ in dialogues such as Phaedo to specify conditions or exceptions in philosophical arguments.
• Aristotle: Aristotle uses ἄτερ in his works, like Nicomachean Ethics, to discuss concepts and conditions, emphasizing what is excluded from certain moral or philosophical discussions.

4. Summary:

ἄτερ (Áter) is a Greek term meaning “without” or “except.” It is used to denote the absence of something or to specify exceptions. In biblical texts, ἄτερ highlights exclusions and the singularity of certain concepts, such as God’s unique role or Christ’s all-encompassing sacrifice. Classic Greek literature showcases its use in describing exclusions and conditions in historical, philosophical, and ethical contexts. The term plays a crucial role in emphasizing what is not included or absent in various discussions and descriptions.