Brief Overview of αὐλίζομαι (G835: aulizomai)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aulizomai

Root Words: The verb αὐλίζομαι (aulizomai) is derived from αὐλή (aulē), meaning “courtyard” or “open space.” The root conveys the idea of staying or lodging in a place associated with musical or communal activity.

Primary Meanings:

• To Lodge or Stay: Primarily, αὐλίζομαι means to lodge, stay, or spend time in a place, often a temporary or makeshift dwelling.
• To Camp or Encamp: It can also mean to camp or encamp, particularly in the sense of setting up a temporary residence.
• To Resort or Seek Refuge: The term may be used to describe taking refuge or resorting to a particular place.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐλίζομαι as “to lodge” or “to encamp,” noting its usage in the context of setting up a temporary stay, especially in outdoor or makeshift conditions. It emphasizes the idea of staying in a specific location temporarily.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes αὐλίζομαι as “to encamp” or “to take up lodging,” reflecting its use in describing temporary stays or accommodations.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that αὐλίζομαι refers to “to lodge” or “to encamp,” focusing on the temporary nature of the stay and its typical use in contexts involving temporary living arrangements.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines αὐλίζομαι similarly, as “to encamp” or “to take up lodging,” highlighting its use for temporary stays or accommodations in a particular place.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes αὐλίζομαι as “to lodge” or “to encamp,” aligning with the idea of a temporary stay or accommodation.

Bible Verses:

Support our Israeli friends

Use code: FOG20 for a 20% discount.

Learn More

• Luke 9:12 (KJV): “And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him, Send the multitude away, that they may go into the towns and country round about, and lodge, and get victuals: for we are here in a desert place.”
• Here, “lodge” translates αὐλίζομαι, referring to the need for temporary accommodation.
• Acts 27:8 (KJV): “And, hardly passing it, came unto a place which is called The Fair Havens; nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea.”
• In this context, the term is used to describe the location where the ship could find refuge.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In the Iliad and Odyssey, αὐλίζομαι could be used to describe the temporary stays of soldiers or travelers.
• Herodotus: The term might appear in Herodotus’ accounts of encampments and temporary stays during military campaigns or explorations.
• Xenophon: In Xenophon’s writings, αὐλίζομαι is used to describe the encampments of armies or groups traveling through different regions.

4. Summary:

αὐλίζομαι (aulizomai) primarily means “to lodge,” “to encamp,” or “to take up temporary residence.” The term reflects the act of staying or setting up a temporary dwelling, often in outdoor or makeshift conditions. Its usage in classical literature and biblical texts highlights its role in describing temporary accommodations and the act of seeking refuge or staying in a particular place. Understanding αὐλίζομαι provides insight into the practices of temporary lodging and encampment in ancient contexts.