Brief Overview of αὐθάδης (G829: authadēs)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: authadēs

Root Words: The Greek word αὐθάδης (authadēs) is derived from αὐτό (auto, meaning “self”) and ἔχω (echō, meaning “to have”). It conveys the idea of someone who is self-willed or stubborn.

Primary Meanings:

• Self-Willed: Characterized by stubbornness or a strong inclination to act according to one’s own desires.
• Stubborn: Unwilling to change one’s mind or attitude, often to the point of obstinacy.
• Arrogant: Exhibiting an attitude of superiority and self-importance.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes αὐθάδης as someone who is self-willed or stubborn, often implying a negative connotation of obstinacy or arrogance. The term is used to describe individuals who are resistant to others’ influence or advice due to their strong personal inclinations.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines αὐθάδης as “self-willed,” highlighting its use in a context where a person’s stubbornness and obstinacy are evident. It reflects a person who is overly determined to follow their own will without regard for others.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary describes αὐθάδης as an adjective meaning “self-willed” or “stubborn,” with a focus on the negative aspects of being obstinate or self-assertive.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon notes that αὐθάδης refers to someone who is self-willed or obstinate. It implies a sense of arrogance and unwillingness to be guided by others.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies αὐθάδης as “self-willed,” denoting someone who is obstinate and refuses to be swayed by others’ opinions or authority.

Bible Verses:

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• Titus 1:7 (KJV): “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”
• Here, αὐθάδης is used to describe a bishop who should not be stubborn or self-willed, emphasizing the need for humility and openness.
• 2 Peter 2:10 (KJV): “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government; presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.”
• In this verse, αὐθάδης characterizes individuals who are presumptuous and stubborn, showing a disregard for authority.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In his works, Aristotle describes individuals who are αὐθάδης (authadēs) as those exhibiting a lack of regard for others’ opinions and showing excessive self-will.
• Plato: Plato uses similar terms in dialogues to describe characters who are stubborn and resistant to changing their views, reflecting the concept of αὐθάδης.
• Herodotus: Herodotus might describe leaders or individuals who exhibit extreme stubbornness or arrogance in his historical accounts, aligning with the idea of being αὐθάδης.

4. Summary:

αὐθάδης (authadēs) refers to someone who is self-willed, stubborn, or arrogant, often carrying a negative connotation of obstinacy. The term describes individuals who are resistant to others’ influence and excessively determined to follow their own will. In classical Greek literature, it reflects a character trait of excessive self-assertion or arrogance. Understanding αὐθάδης provides insight into how stubbornness and self-will are perceived in both historical and scriptural contexts.