Brief Overview of ἄλογος (G249)

The Greek word ἄλογος (álogos) means “without reason” or “irrational.” It is derived from the root word λόγος (lógos), meaning “word” or “reason,” with the prefix α- (a-) signifying negation. Thus, ἄλογος conveys a sense of lacking reason, logic, or rationality. It can describe actions, behaviors, or thoughts that are irrational or unreasonable.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G249 ἄλογος (álogos): According to Strong’s Concordance, ἄλογος means “irrational” or “without reason.” It is used to describe things that are devoid of reason or logic. This term can be applied to actions, thoughts, or behaviors that are considered unreasonable or foolish.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer’s Lexicon defines ἄλογος as “irrational” or “without reason.” It emphasizes that the term describes what is contrary to reason or what lacks logical sense. The lexicon explains that ἄλογος is used in contexts where something is perceived as unreasonable or foolish due to its lack of rationality.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon confirms that ἄλογος means “irrational” or “without reason.” It provides examples of its usage in classical Greek to describe actions or statements that lack logical consistency or are deemed unreasonable. The lexicon illustrates how the term reflects a departure from rational thought or discourse.

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

• The BDB Lexicon, primarily focused on Hebrew but including Greek influences through the Septuagint (LXX), acknowledges the meaning of ἄλογος as “irrational” or “without reason.” It supports the understanding of the term as indicative of something that is unreasonable or lacks logical foundation.

In summary, ἄλογος (álogos) translates to “irrational” or “without reason,” indicating a lack of logical thought or rationality. Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, the LSJ Lexicon, and the BDB Lexicon all describe its meaning as related to the absence of reason or logical coherence, used to characterize actions, thoughts, or behaviors that are considered unreasonable or foolish.