Brief Overview of ἀσύμφωνος (G800: Asymphonos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Asymphonos

Root Words: The term ἀσύμφωνος is derived from the prefix α- (a-) meaning “without” and σύμφωνος (symphonos), which comes from σύμφωνος (symphonos) meaning “agreeing” or “harmonious.”

Primary Meanings:

• Dissonant: The primary meaning of ἀσύμφωνος is “dissonant” or “not in harmony.” It describes a lack of agreement or concord, often used in contexts where elements or parties are not in sync or harmony.
• Unharmonious: It can also imply a state of being unharmonious or lacking agreement, reflecting discordance in both literal (musical) and figurative (relational or conceptual) senses.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσύμφωνος as “dissonant” or “out of harmony,” focusing on its use to describe a lack of agreement or harmony, whether in music, speech, or relationships. It emphasizes the absence of accord or congruence.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon interprets ἀσύμφωνος as “out of harmony” or “discordant,” highlighting its application in contexts where there is a lack of agreement or coordination.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary describes ἀσύμφωνος as “dissonant” or “not in harmony,” reinforcing its meaning related to discord or lack of harmony.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀσύμφωνος as “inharmonious” or “dissonant,” consistent with its usage to describe a lack of agreement or harmony.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀσύμφωνος as “dissonant,” reflecting its use to describe a state of being out of harmony or agreement.

Bible Verses:

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• 1 Corinthians 14:7 (KJV): “And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?”
• 1 Corinthians 14:8 (KJV): “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?”

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In Poetics, Aristotle discusses harmony and discord in music and drama, where the concept of being ἀσύμφωνος (dissonant) reflects a lack of harmony and can be used to describe elements that fail to achieve a cohesive effect.
• Plato: In Republic, Plato uses the notion of harmony and discord to explore the harmony within the soul and society, where ἀσύμφωνος would describe elements that are not in sync.
• Homer: In The Iliad, Homer occasionally uses imagery of discord and disharmony to depict conflicts and lack of unity among characters, aligning with the concept of ἀσύμφωνος.

4. Summary:

ἀσύμφωνος (Asymphonos) means “dissonant” or “out of harmony,” indicating a lack of agreement or cohesion. It describes both literal and figurative discordance, where elements fail to harmonize or agree. In classic Greek literature, this concept is used to emphasize the absence of harmony in music, relationships, or societal structures, highlighting the importance of agreement and coordination.