Brief Overview of αὐτόχειρ (G849: autocheir)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: autocheir

Root Words: The Greek word αὐτόχειρ (autocheir) is composed of αὐτός (autos), meaning “self,” and χειρ (cheir), meaning “hand.”

Primary Meanings:

• Self-Handed: The term is used to denote something or someone done or created by one’s own hand.
• Manual Labor: Refers to work done personally and directly by oneself, without the help of others.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐτόχειρ as an adjective meaning “done by oneself” or “manual.” It emphasizes that the action is performed personally, highlighting self-reliance or personal effort.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes αὐτόχειρ as relating to actions done by one’s own hand, without external assistance. It conveys a sense of personal effort or direct involvement in a task.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that αὐτόχειρ signifies “done by oneself” or “hand-made.” It is used to describe actions or objects created by one’s own manual effort.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon notes that αὐτόχειρ means “self-made” or “done by one’s own hand.” It is used in contexts where the subject is personally engaged in the work or creation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines αὐτόχειρ as “done by one’s own hand” or “manual.” It stresses the personal effort involved in the action.

Bible Verses:

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• Acts 7:41 (KJV): “And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.”
• In this verse, αὐτόχειρ is used to describe the idol made by the Israelites with their own hands.
• Acts 17:25 (KJV): “Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;”
• αὐτόχειρ refers to the concept that God is not served by human hands, emphasizing the futility of manual effort in divine worship.
• 1 Corinthians 9:1 (KJV): “Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?”
• The term is used in a context that contrasts the personal effort and achievements of Paul.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato: In works such as the Gorgias, Plato uses similar constructs to discuss actions performed personally or manual tasks, reflecting the concept of αὐτόχειρ.
• Aristotle: Aristotle’s writings, including Nicomachean Ethics, discuss personal effort and direct actions, where the term could be applied to denote self-reliance.
• Xenophon: In Anabasis, Xenophon describes personal and direct contributions to tasks, which aligns with the meaning of αὐτόχειρ.

4. Summary:

αὐτόχειρ (autocheir) combines αὐτός (autos) and χειρ (cheir) to convey the idea of something done by one’s own hand or effort. Defined by BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ, it highlights actions performed personally, emphasizing self-reliance and manual effort. Its use in Biblical and classical Greek literature reflects the significance of personal involvement in actions and creations. Understanding αὐτόχειρ provides insight into self-directed labor and the value of personal effort in Greek thought.