Brief Overview of ἄτεκνος (G815: Ateknoς)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Ateknoς

Root Words: The term ἄτεκνος (ateknos) combines the prefix α- (a-) meaning “without” and τέκνον (tekon), which means “child” or “offspring.”

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Primary Meanings:

• Childless: Refers to someone who has no children.
• Without Offspring: Indicates a lack of descendants or progeny.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄτεκνος as “childless,” referring to a person who does not have children. This definition emphasizes the absence of offspring.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄτεκνος as “without children” or “childless,” focusing on the condition of lacking offspring.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary states that ἄτεκνος means “childless,” specifically referring to the state of not having any children.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄτεκνος as “childless,” reflecting its use to describe individuals without children.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄτεκνος as “without children,” underlining its meaning of lacking progeny.

Bible Verses:

• 1 Timothy 5:14 (KJV): “I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.”
• The term “bear children” contrasts with ἄτεκνος in its discussion about the role of women and childbearing.
• Luke 23:29 (KJV): “For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck.”
• The term “barren” refers to ἄτεκνος, discussing those who are childless.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle touches upon aspects of family life and lineage, providing context for the concept of being ἄτεκνος.
• Plato: In Republic, Plato discusses the importance of offspring in societal roles, which relates to the concept of ἄτεκνος.
• Xenophon: In Memorabilia, Xenophon’s observations on family and children contribute to understanding the term ἄτεκνος and its implications.

4. Summary:

ἄτεκνος (Ateknoς) denotes the state of being childless or without offspring. The term specifically refers to individuals who do not have children and is used in various contexts to highlight the absence of descendants. In biblical texts, it contrasts with the idea of bearing children and is discussed in relation to family and societal roles. Classic Greek literature offers additional context by exploring themes of progeny and familial structure, providing a broader understanding of the implications of being ἄτεκνος.