Brief Overview of ἄκαρπος (G175)

The Greek word ἄκαρπος (ákarpos) means “barren” or “fruitless.” It is used to describe something or someone that is unproductive, not bearing fruit, or yielding no results. This term can refer to literal fruitlessness, such as plants that do not produce fruit, or metaphorically to describe unproductive efforts or lack of spiritual or moral growth.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G175 ἄκαρπος (ákarpos): Strong’s defines this term as “barren” or “fruitless.” It describes something that does not produce fruit or results, indicating a lack of productivity or effectiveness. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe unproductive or spiritually ineffective states. For example, in Luke 13:7, the term is used to refer to a fig tree that has not borne fruit, symbolizing a lack of spiritual or moral fruitfulness.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, ἄκαρπος means “barren” or “fruitless.” Thayer’s explains that the term is used to describe something that fails to produce fruit, both literally and metaphorically. It conveys the idea of being unproductive or ineffective, often used in a moral or spiritual context to indicate a lack of positive results or growth. The lexicon notes its application to describe unfruitful actions or efforts in biblical passages.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB does not specifically cover ἄκαρπος, but related lexical resources confirm that the term means “barren” or “fruitless.” It denotes a lack of fruit production or results, both in literal and figurative senses. The term is used to convey the idea of unproductiveness or failure to achieve desired outcomes.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄκαρπος as “barren” or “fruitless.” It describes the term’s use for plants or trees that do not produce fruit and its metaphorical use to indicate unproductive or ineffective conditions. The lexicon emphasizes the term’s role in illustrating lack of results or growth.

In summary, ἄκαρπος refers to something “barren” or “fruitless,” indicating a lack of productivity or results. The term is used to describe both literal fruitlessness in plants and metaphorical unfruitfulness in efforts or spiritual states. It highlights the absence of positive outcomes or growth.