Brief Overview of ἄστρον (G798: astron)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: astron

Root Words: The term ἄστρον (astron) is related to the Greek word for “star,” indicating celestial bodies or heavenly objects.

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Primary Meanings:

• Star: The primary meaning of ἄστρον is “star,” referring to the celestial bodies that shine in the night sky.
• Celestial Body: It can also refer more broadly to any heavenly body, including planets or other objects in the sky.
• Metaphorical Use: In a metaphorical sense, ἄστρον may be used to denote something brilliant or notable, similar to how stars are used symbolically.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄστρον as “a star,” focusing on its use to describe celestial bodies. The lexicon notes its literal and metaphorical applications, emphasizing its significance in both astronomical and symbolic contexts.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄστρον as “a star” or “heavenly body,” reflecting its use to denote celestial objects visible in the night sky.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary similarly defines ἄστρον as “a star,” noting its usage in describing the stars and celestial phenomena.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄστρον as “a star,” with a focus on its literal meaning as a celestial body and occasional metaphorical uses.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄστρον as “a star,” referring to the stars seen in the sky and occasionally used in a broader or figurative sense.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 2:2 (KJV): “Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.”
• Revelation 12:1 (KJV): “And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.”
• Philippians 2:15 (KJV): “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;”

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In the Iliad and Odyssey, stars are frequently mentioned as markers of time and navigational aids, symbolizing guidance and divinity.
• Hesiod: In Works and Days, Hesiod uses star imagery to mark agricultural seasons and divine influences, reflecting the importance of stars in daily life and cosmic order.
• Aristotle: In his Meteorology, Aristotle discusses celestial bodies, including stars, as part of his broader examination of the natural world and its phenomena.

4. Summary:

ἄστρον (astron) primarily means “star,” referring to celestial bodies that shine in the night sky. The term is used both literally to describe stars and metaphorically to denote brilliance or prominence. In classic Greek literature, it reflects the significance of stars in navigation, agriculture, and as symbols of divine influence. This word underscores the importance of celestial objects in ancient Greek culture and thought, highlighting their role in both practical and symbolic contexts.