Brief Overview of αἴτιος (G159)

The Greek word αἴτιος (aítios) means “causing” or “responsible.” It is used to describe something or someone that is the cause or reason for an action, event, or situation. This term can denote the factor responsible for a particular outcome or the entity that is held accountable for something.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G159 αἴτιος (aítios): Strong’s defines this term as “causing” or “responsible.” It refers to the person or thing that is the cause or reason for something. This includes being the source of an action or condition, or being held accountable for a situation. For instance, it appears in John 19:4, where it refers to the one responsible for a particular action.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἴτιος means “causing” or “responsible.” Thayer’s explains that this term describes the factor or entity that is the cause of something or is held accountable for an outcome. It can be used to denote both the cause of an event and the person or thing that is responsible for a situation (e.g., John 19:4). Thayer’s highlights the term’s use in indicating responsibility and causation.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB describes αἴτιος as “causing” or “responsible.” The lexicon notes that this term refers to the cause or reason behind an action or situation, as well as the entity held accountable for it. It reflects the concept of causation and responsibility, emphasizing the role of the cause or accountable party (e.g., John 19:4). BDB’s explanation underscores the term’s application in expressing both causation and accountability.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἴτιος as “causing” or “responsible.” It describes the term as referring to the cause or reason behind something, or the person or thing that is responsible for an event or situation. In classical and New Testament Greek, it denotes the factor that brings about an outcome or is accountable for a particular situation (e.g., John 19:4). LSJ emphasizes the term’s use in expressing responsibility and causation.

In summary, αἴτιος refers to the concept of causing or being responsible for something, encompassing the idea of causation and accountability in various contexts, as used in both classical and New Testament Greek.