Brief Overview of ἄσημος (G767: asēmos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: asēmos

Root Words:

• ἄσημος is derived from the Greek prefix ἀ- (a-), meaning “not,” and σήματος (sēmatos), meaning “mark” or “sign.”

Primary Meanings:

• Unknown: Lacking any distinguishing marks or features.
• Obscure: Not well-known or prominent; lacking recognition or significance.
• Insignificant: Of no particular importance or influence; unnoticed.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄσημος as “unknown” or “insignificant,” referring to something or someone lacking notable features or recognition. The term is used to describe individuals or things that are not distinguished by any special marks or noteworthy characteristics.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄσημος as “without a mark,” indicating a state of being unremarkable or obscure. It highlights the idea of lacking visibility or significance.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἄσημος means “unknown” or “without a mark,” emphasizing its use to describe something or someone who is not distinguished or noteworthy.

LSJ: LSJ defines ἄσημος as “without mark” or “obscure,” reflecting its meaning of lacking prominence or being unnoticed.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄσημος as “unknown” or “without a mark,” aligning with the idea of being unremarkable or insignificant.

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Bible Verses:

• 1 Corinthians 15:36 (KJV): “Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die.”
• The term “fool” relates to being ἄσημος in the context of not understanding the resurrection.
• 1 Corinthians 15:43 (KJV): “It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.”
• The “dishonor” can be linked to the concept of being ἄσημος, reflecting a state of obscurity or lack of recognition.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato’s Republic: Discusses concepts of recognition and importance, with ἄσημος used to describe those lacking notable attributes or influence.
• Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics: Considers traits and qualities of individuals, using terms related to ἄσημος to denote those who are insignificant or unremarkable.
• Herodotus’ Histories: Occasionally uses terms similar to ἄσημος to describe events or people of lesser importance or prominence.

4. Summary:

ἄσημος (G767: asēmos) conveys the idea of being “unknown,” “obscure,” or “insignificant.” It describes entities or individuals that lack distinguishing marks or notable recognition, reflecting a state of unremarkability. The term is used in the New Testament and classic Greek literature to indicate something or someone that does not stand out or is not prominent.