Brief Overview of ἅπτω (G681: háptō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: háptō

Root Words:

• ἅπτω (háptō): The root word meaning “to touch,” “to fasten,” or “to grasp.”

Primary Meanings:

• The term ἅπτω primarily means “to touch” or “to kindle.”
• It also signifies “to fasten” or “to grasp firmly.”
• In certain contexts, it can imply “to start a fire” or “to light” something.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG describes ἅπτω as “to touch,” “to kindle,” or “to grasp.” It covers both physical contact and the act of starting a fire. BDAG also notes its use in metaphorical senses, such as beginning or initiating something.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἅπτω as “to touch,” “to kindle,” and “to set on fire.” It includes nuances related to physical touch, lighting something, and beginning an action.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights ἅπτω in the sense of “to touch,” “to grasp,” or “to kindle.” It emphasizes its use in both literal and figurative contexts, including the initiation of a process.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides definitions for ἅπτω as “to touch,” “to kindle,” and “to fasten,” indicating its broad application in both physical and metaphorical contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists ἅπτω as “to touch,” “to kindle,” or “to set on fire,” reflecting its range from physical contact to starting a fire.

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Bible Verses:

• Matthew 12:20 (KJV): “A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory.”
• John 5:10 (KJV): “The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.”
• Acts 28:3 (KJV): “And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.”

These verses illustrate ἅπτω used in contexts of physical touch and kindling, showing its practical applications.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature up to 100 AD, ἅπτω was used to convey:

• Physical contact or grasping.
• The act of kindling or starting a fire.

Examples:

• Homer’s “Iliad”: Uses ἅπτω to describe physical interactions and the act of touching.
• Herodotus’ “Histories”: Includes instances where ἅπτω refers to the act of starting a fire.
• Euripides’ “Electra”: Features the term in contexts of both physical grasping and initiating actions.

4. Summary:

The Greek word ἅπτω (G681: háptō) means “to touch,” “to kindle,” and “to fasten.” It includes applications from physical contact to initiating a fire or action. Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s provide a broad view of its uses, while classic Greek literature shows its diverse applications.