Brief Overview of ἀστατέω (G790: astatéō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: astatéō

Root Words: The term ἀστατέω (astatéō) is derived from ἀστάτης (astatēs), meaning “unstable” or “homeless.”

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Primary Meanings:

•   To be unstable: To lack stability or consistency.
•   To be unsettled: To experience lack of settled or fixed status.
•   To be without a dwelling place: To be homeless or without a permanent residence.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀστατέω as “to be without a fixed dwelling,” reflecting a state of homelessness or instability in one’s living conditions. It also includes the general sense of being unstable or unsettled.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon notes that ἀστατέω means “to be without a home” or “homeless,” emphasizing the absence of a stable dwelling place.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights the term’s use to describe a state of being “homeless” or “without a fixed residence,” in addition to its broader meaning of instability.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes ἀστατέω as meaning “to be without a permanent home,” highlighting its specific use to describe homelessness and lack of stability.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἀστατέω as meaning “to be without a fixed abode,” pointing to its use in contexts related to homelessness and instability.

Bible Verses:

•   Luke 9:58 (KJV): “And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.”
•   In this context, Jesus uses the term to reflect His own lack of a permanent dwelling place, underscoring His transient state.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

•   In Aristotle’s works, the term ἀστατέω is used to describe individuals or conditions lacking a stable home, often reflecting broader social or philosophical discussions about stability and residence.
•   Plato may use related concepts to discuss the instability of certain political or social arrangements, illustrating how ἀστατέω can reflect broader issues of instability.
•   In Homer’s epics, similar terms are used to describe characters or situations that lack a stable dwelling or permanent home, aligning with the sense of homelessness.

4. Summary:

ἀστατέω (astatéō) encompasses the idea of being without a permanent dwelling or home, in addition to its broader meanings of instability and lack of steadiness. This term reflects both physical homelessness and a general sense of being unsettled or without a stable base. It is used in various contexts to describe both literal and metaphorical instability.