Brief Overview of ἄκων (G210)

The Greek adjective ἄκων (akōn) means “unwilling” or “reluctant.” It is used to describe someone who is acting against their will or without desire, often indicating a lack of voluntary consent. In the New Testament, it is used to convey the idea of doing something reluctantly or under compulsion.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G210 ἄκων (akōn): Strong’s Concordance defines ἄκων as “unwilling” or “reluctant.” It is used to describe actions performed not out of choice but due to external pressure or necessity. Strong’s provides context where the term is used to describe someone who is performing an action despite their reluctance.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon expands on the meaning of ἄκων, noting that it refers to someone who does something unwillingly or reluctantly. The lexicon describes it as an adjective used to describe actions done with hesitation or under compulsion rather than willingly.

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

• The BDB Lexicon does not specifically list ἄκων as it primarily focuses on Hebrew terms. However, in Greek studies, ἄκων is recognized for its meaning of performing actions unwillingly or with reluctance.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄκων as “unwilling” or “reluctant.” It provides historical and textual references to how the term is used to describe actions taken without genuine desire or consent. The lexicon highlights its application in classical and biblical contexts to denote reluctance or unwillingness.

In summary, ἄκων (akōn) is a Greek adjective meaning “unwilling” or “reluctant.” It describes actions taken against one’s will or with reluctance, often indicating a lack of voluntary consent. The term is used in the New Testament to convey the sense of performing tasks or actions under compulsion or reluctance rather than from a place of genuine willingness. Derived from the root verb ἄκω (akō), meaning “to suffer” or “to be unwilling,” ἄκων emphasizes the aspect of reluctance in actions.