Brief Overview of ἀφοράω (G872: aphoraō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aphoraō

Root Words: Derived from apo- (from, away from) and horaō (to see), literally meaning “to look away from” or “to turn one’s attention from”.

Primary Meanings:

• To look away or divert one’s gaze.
• To ignore or disregard.
• To avoid or shun.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: Emphasizes the action of intentionally avoiding looking at or considering something, often in a metaphorical sense related to avoiding certain behaviors or influences.

Thayer’s: Focuses on the action of diverting attention from less important matters to focus on more significant issues, especially in a moral or spiritual context.

Vines: Describes the practical implications in Christian doctrine, such as turning away from sin or distractions.

LSJ: Outlines usage in classical Greek to imply avoidance or intentional neglect.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Considers the biblical usage as an act of focusing on higher, often spiritual, matters by deliberately ignoring worldly distractions.

Bible Verses:

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• Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Philosophical Dialogues: Utilized to describe the process of focusing philosophical thought away from mundane to more profound truths.
• Tragedies: Often used to depict characters who must deliberately ignore their desires or fears to fulfill their fates.
• Political Treatises: Applied in discussions of leadership and governance, emphasizing the need to overlook personal gain for civic duty.

4. Summary:

ἀφοράω (aphoraō) carries significant weight in both philosophical and religious texts, symbolizing the deliberate act of turning one’s gaze away from distractions or undesirables towards something more worthy. This term not only reflects physical action but also a metaphorical journey of focus, prioritization, and moral fortitude. Exploring this term through diverse lexicons enriches our understanding of its use in both ancient scripts and its implications in contemporary spiritual practices, highlighting its relevance in teachings about focus and discipline.