Brief Overview of ἀσφαλῶς (G806: Asphalōs)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Asphalōs

Root Words: The adverb ἀσφαλῶς is derived from the adjective ἀσφαλής (asphalēs), which means “secure” or “safe.” Thus, ἀσφαλῶς means “safely” or “securely.”

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Primary Meanings:

• Safely: The primary meaning of ἀσφαλῶς is to do something in a manner that is secure, safe, or free from danger.
• With Assurance: It also conveys a sense of performing an action with certainty or assurance, implying that the outcome is reliable.
• In a Stable Manner: Another meaning is to do something in a stable or firm manner, ensuring that it remains consistent and protected.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσφαλῶς as “safely” or “securely,” indicating that it describes actions carried out in a manner that ensures safety and stability.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀσφαλῶς as “safely,” emphasizing its use in contexts where actions or states are secure and without risk.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀσφαλῶς means “securely” or “safely,” highlighting its role in indicating assuredness and security in actions or states.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσφαλῶς as “safely” or “securely,” reflecting its use in contexts where safety and certainty are emphasized.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀσφαλῶς as “securely” or “safely,” focusing on its meaning of performing actions in a manner that ensures safety and reliability.

Bible Verses:

• Acts 21:6 (KJV): “And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.”
• In this verse, ἀσφαλῶς is implied in the context of the journey being undertaken safely.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: The concept of acting safely or securely is embedded in the epic tales, though the term ἀσφαλῶς itself might not be explicitly used.
• Sophocles: In plays such as Antigone, themes of security and stability in actions and decisions reflect the adverbial meaning of safely or securely.
• Aristotle: Aristotle’s works, like Rhetoric, discuss the importance of acting with assurance and stability, aligning with the idea of acting ἀσφαλῶς.

4. Summary:

ἀσφαλῶς (Asphalōs) primarily means “safely” or “securely,” describing the manner of performing actions in a secure, stable, and assured way. It conveys a sense of safety and reliability, ensuring that outcomes are protected from danger. In classic Greek literature, while the exact term may not always be used, the concept of acting securely and with certainty is reflected in various themes of stability and assurance.