Brief Overview of Δάν(ε)ιον (G1156: Dán(e)ion)

Dán(e)ion (pronounced DAHN-ee-on, δάν(ε)ιον) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1156. The word Dán(e)ion refers to a “loan” or “debt.” It is derived from the root word δανείζω (daneizō), which means “to lend” or “to borrow.” The form Dán(e)ion specifically denotes the object of lending—a loan, whether in the form of money, goods, or other resources. This term is deeply connected to financial and economic activities in ancient Greek society, where loans were a common practice in both personal and commercial transactions.

In its primary usage, Dán(e)ion refers to a loan, indicating an agreement between a lender and a borrower, where the borrower is obligated to repay the loan, often with interest. The concept of Dán(e)ion highlights the formal nature of financial transactions in ancient times, involving trust, obligation, and often legal agreements. Loans could range from small personal borrowings to larger sums intended for business or trade.

Scripture References

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1. Deuteronomy 24:10 (LXX): “When you make your neighbor a loan (δανείου, daneiou), you shall not go into his house to take his pledge.” This verse provides guidance on ethical lending practices, emphasizing respect for the borrower’s dignity.
2. Exodus 22:25 (LXX): “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest (δάνειον, dáneion) from him.” This verse underscores the ethical considerations in lending, particularly towards the poor.
3. Matthew 18:27: “And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt (δάνειον, dáneion).” This verse illustrates the concept of debt and forgiveness, highlighting the moral implications of lending and debt cancellation.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Dán(e)ion is defined as “loan” or “debt,” focusing on its use in financial contexts where money or goods are lent with the expectation of repayment. BDAG notes that Dán(e)ion is often used in contexts that emphasize the formal and legal aspects of lending, particularly in ancient Jewish and Greco-Roman cultures where loans played a significant role in economic life. The lexicon also highlights the ethical dimensions of lending, as seen in the teachings of the Old and New Testaments, where fairness and compassion are emphasized.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Dán(e)ion as “loan” or “debt,” focusing on its literal meaning as something lent to another person. Thayer’s points out that the term is associated with formal agreements where the borrower is obligated to repay the loan. The lexicon also discusses the moral teachings related to Dán(e)ion, particularly in the context of biblical laws that regulate lending practices, ensuring that loans are given and repaid fairly and without exploitation.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Dán(e)ion, noting its use in both Greek and Roman financial systems. Dán(e)ion is described as a common term for loans, particularly in commercial contexts where money was lent for trade or business purposes. LSJ emphasizes that Dán(e)ion was integral to the functioning of the ancient economy, reflecting the importance of loans in facilitating trade and commerce.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Dán(e)ion as “loan” or “debt,” highlighting its role in financial transactions. The concordance emphasizes the importance of ethical lending practices, particularly as outlined in the Mosaic Law, where the rights of both the lender and the borrower are protected.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Dán(e)ion is frequently mentioned in classical Greek literature, often in the context of financial transactions and economic practices.

1. Aristophanes in his comedy “Plutus” uses Dán(e)ion to critique the greed of moneylenders and the struggles of debtors, providing a satirical view of the lending practices in ancient Greece.
2. Plato in his dialogue “Laws” discusses Dán(e)ion in the context of economic justice and societal norms, where the regulation of loans and interest is considered crucial to maintaining fairness in the economy.
3. Xenophon in his work “Oeconomicus” refers to Dán(e)ion in the context of agricultural loans, highlighting the practical aspects of lending in maintaining the economic stability of landowners and farmers.

Summary

Dán(e)ion (pronounced DAHN-ee-on, δάν(ε)ιον) is a Greek noun meaning “loan” or “debt,” derived from δανείζω (daneizō), which means “to lend.” The term is central to financial transactions in both personal and commercial contexts, reflecting the formal agreements between lenders and borrowers in ancient Greek society. Dán(e)ion emphasizes the legal and ethical dimensions of lending, where trust, obligation, and fairness are key considerations. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ highlight the importance of Dán(e)ion in ancient economic practices, noting its role in both everyday borrowing and larger commercial activities. In classical Greek literature, Dán(e)ion is frequently mentioned in discussions of economic justice, societal norms, and the practicalities of lending. The term underscores the universal nature of loans and debts, reflecting both the economic realities and the moral considerations of lending in ancient society.