Brief Overview of ἀσάλευτος (G761: asáleutos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: asáleutos

Root Words:

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• ἀσάλευτος (asáleutos) derives from the Greek prefix α- (a-) meaning “without” and the root σάλευτος (sáleutos), which means “shaken” or “moved.”

Primary Meanings:

• Unshaken: Refers to something or someone that is not moved or disturbed, remaining stable and steadfast.
• Firm: Indicates steadfastness and stability, especially in a moral or spiritual sense.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀσάλευτος as meaning “unshaken” or “firm.” It implies a state of being stable or unwavering, particularly in contexts where stability or constancy is emphasized.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon provides a similar description, emphasizing the term’s meaning of being “unshaken” or “steadfast.” It is used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that remains stable under pressure.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary aligns with BDAG and Thayer’s, noting that ἀσάλευτος describes something that is “unshaken” or “immovable,” stressing its firmness and stability.

LSJ: LSJ offers a concise definition related to the stability or immovability of an object or person, reinforcing the idea of steadfastness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀσάλευτος as “unshaken,” noting its use in scriptural contexts to denote stability and steadfastness.

Bible Verses:

• Hebrews 12:28 (KJV): “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:”
• In this verse, “which cannot be moved” reflects the idea of being ἀσάλευτος (unshaken).
• James 1:12 (KJV): “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
• The concept of enduring temptation and remaining steadfast is related to being ἀσάλευτος.
• 1 Peter 5:10 (KJV): “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.”
• The idea of being “settled” aligns with the notion of being ἀσάλευτος.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Herodotus’ Histories: While not directly using ἀσάλευτος, this work provides context for stability and change in historical narratives.
• Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian War: Uses terms related to stability and steadfastness in political and military contexts, reflecting the idea of being unshaken.
• Plato’s Republic: Discusses the stability of the ideal state and its rulers, which can be conceptually related to the term ἀσάλευτος.

4. Summary:

ἀσάλευτος (G761: asáleutos) conveys the idea of being unshaken, firm, or steadfast. It describes a state of stability and immovability, both in physical and metaphorical senses. The term is used in the Bible to highlight the unwavering nature of God’s kingdom and the steadfastness of believers. In classic Greek literature, while not always used directly, related concepts of stability and firmness appear in discussions of politics, history, and ideal states.