Brief Overview of ἀποτόμως (G664: Apotómōs)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apotómōs

Root Words: The word ἀποτόμως derives from ἀπο- (apo-), meaning “away from” or “off,” and τόμος (tómos), meaning “cutting” or “sharp.” Thus, ἀποτόμως combines the idea of cutting or sharpness with the notion of being direct or decisive.

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Primary Meanings:

• Decisively or abruptly.
• In a manner that is direct and without circumlocution.
• With sharpness or incisiveness.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποτόμως as “decisively,” “abruptly,” or “in a cutting manner,” focusing on the directness and incisiveness of the action or statement.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποτόμως as “sharply,” “abruptly,” or “decisively,” emphasizing its usage to describe actions or expressions that are straightforward and to the point.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀποτόμως means “in a decisive or abrupt manner,” reflecting its use in contexts where clarity and directness are key.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποτόμως as “sharply” or “decisively,” highlighting its application in describing actions or statements made with precision and without hesitation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀποτόμως as “decisively” or “in a sharp manner,” reflecting its use to indicate a direct or blunt approach.

Bible Verses:

• Luke 10:37 (NIV): “The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.’” (The decisive nature of the command reflects the usage of ἀποτόμως in terms of clarity and directness.)
• Revelation 6:12 (NIV): “I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red,” (Here, the decisive nature of the apocalyptic events described aligns with the term’s meaning.)

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Aristotle (Rhetoric, 4th century BCE): Aristotle employs terms related to ἀποτόμως to describe rhetoric that is direct and impactful, illustrating the term’s application in persuasive and clear communication.

Demosthenes (Orations, 4th century BCE): Demosthenes uses terms akin to ἀποτόμως to convey directness and sharpness in oratory, highlighting the effectiveness of blunt and decisive rhetoric.

Plato (Dialogues, 4th century BCE): Plato uses related concepts to describe dialogues that are direct and incisive, reflecting the term’s connotation of clarity and precision.

4. Summary:

ἀποτόμως (apotómōs) signifies acting or speaking in a decisive, sharp, or direct manner. It emphasizes clarity and straightforwardness, often in contexts where precision and impact are essential. In classical Greek literature, it is used to describe rhetorical or philosophical approaches that are incisive and to the point. In biblical texts, it captures the essence of direct and unequivocal statements or actions.