Brief Overview of ἀλοάω (G248)

The Greek word ἀλοάω (aloáō) means “to plough” or “to till the ground.” It refers specifically to the act of preparing soil for planting by turning it over and breaking it up. In biblical contexts, this term is used metaphorically to indicate preparation or cultivation, often in reference to spiritual or moral development.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G248 ἀλοάω (aloáō): Strong’s Concordance defines ἀλοάω as “to plough” or “to till.” It is derived from the process of preparing land for agricultural purposes, which involves turning over the soil. This term is used to describe both literal agricultural activities and metaphorical spiritual preparation.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon elaborates that ἀλοάω means “to plough” or “to till the ground.” It emphasizes the physical action of preparing the soil for planting. The lexicon also notes that this term can be used metaphorically in scriptural contexts to represent the idea of preparation or groundwork in a broader sense, including spiritual or moral preparation.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon confirms that ἀλοάω means “to plough” or “to till.” It describes the process of breaking up and turning over soil to make it ready for planting. The lexicon does not extensively cover metaphorical uses but acknowledges the primary meaning related to agricultural work.

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

• The BDB Lexicon primarily focuses on Hebrew but acknowledges Greek influences through the Septuagint (LXX). The term ἀλοάω aligns with the idea of agricultural ploughing and, by extension, can be used metaphorically to denote preparation or groundwork in various contexts.

In summary, ἀλοάω (aloáō) translates to “to plough” or “to till,” referring to the agricultural process of preparing soil for planting. Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, the LSJ Lexicon, and the BDB Lexicon all describe its literal meaning related to soil preparation and acknowledge its metaphorical use in contexts requiring groundwork or preparation.