Brief Overview of ἀπουσία (G666: Apousía)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apousía

Root Words: The term ἀπουσία is derived from ἀπουσία (apousía), meaning “absence,” and εἰμί (eimí), meaning “to be.” The term reflects the state of being absent or the lack of presence.

Primary Meanings:

• Absence or lack of presence.
• State of being away or not present.
• Lack or deficiency.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπουσία as “absence” or “lack of presence,” particularly in contexts where someone’s presence is expected but is not there. It highlights the term’s use in describing a state of being away or missing.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπουσία as “absence” or “being away,” focusing on its use to indicate the lack of presence or the state of not being there.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀπουσία refers to “absence” or “lack,” used in contexts where there is a noticeable absence or deficiency.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀπουσία as “absence” or “being away,” emphasizing its use in indicating a lack of presence.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀπουσία as “absence,” reflecting its usage to denote a state of being away or lacking.

Bible Verses:

Support our Israeli friends

Use code: FOG20 for a 20% discount.

Learn More

• 1 Corinthians 16:17 (NIV): “I am delighted to have found Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.” (In this context, ἀπουσία reflects a deficiency or lack that was filled by others.)
• Philippians 1:27 (NIV): “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.” (Here, ἀπουσία refers to Paul’s physical absence from the Philippians.)

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Homer uses related terms to describe the absence of warriors from battle, illustrating the impact of their absence on the events and characters involved.

Herodotus (Histories, 5th century BCE): Herodotus employs similar concepts to indicate the absence of certain individuals from historical events or their lack of involvement.

Plato (Dialogues, 4th century BCE): Plato uses related terms to discuss the concept of absence in philosophical contexts, particularly regarding the absence of certain qualities or attributes in discussions about ideal forms or states.

4. Summary:

ἀπουσία (apousía) denotes the state of being absent or the lack of presence. It is used to describe situations where someone or something is missing, lacking, or away. In classical Greek literature, it conveys the impact of absence on events or characters, while in biblical texts, it reflects the idea of physical or metaphorical absence and the resulting deficiencies or gaps.