Brief Overview of ἀσκός (G779: askos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: askos

Root Words: The term ἀσκός (askos) is derived from the Greek root related to the concept of a “wine-skin” or “leather bag.”

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Primary Meanings:

• Wine-skin: A leather container used for holding and transporting wine. It is often mentioned in contexts related to ancient customs of winemaking and storage.
• Leather Bag: A general term for any bag or pouch made from leather, used for various practical purposes.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσκός as “a leather bottle or bag,” specifically a wine-skin. The lexicon highlights its use in the context of ancient wine storage practices.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσκός as “a wine-skin,” reflecting its specific use in holding wine. The term is associated with ancient methods of wine preservation and storage.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀσκός refers to a “wine-skin” or “leather bottle,” used in the context of winemaking.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσκός as “a leather bag or bottle,” emphasizing its use in both wine storage and general practical applications.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀσκός as “a bottle, specifically a wine-skin,” which aligns with its use in biblical and classical texts.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 9:17 (KJV): “Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.”
• The term bottles translates from ἀσκός, illustrating its use in the context of wine storage.
• Mark 2:22 (KJV): “And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine must be put into new bottles.”
• Similarly, bottles here refers to ἀσκός, emphasizing the importance of using suitable containers for new wine.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer’s Iliad: The term ἀσκός is used to describe various leather containers, including those used for storing liquids.
• Aristophanes’ Clouds: The word appears in a humorous context, illustrating its role in daily life and practical uses.
• Herodotus’ Histories: Refers to the use of leather bags or wine-skins in different cultures, providing insight into their use and significance.

4. Summary:

ἀσκός (G779: askos) primarily refers to a leather container, especially a wine-skin, used for storing and transporting liquids. Its significance in biblical and classical contexts highlights the practical aspects of ancient daily life, particularly in relation to winemaking and storage. Understanding ἀσκός provides insight into the cultural practices and material culture of ancient Greece and the Near East.