Brief Overview of αἰσθητήριον (G145)

The Greek word αἰσθητήριον (aisthētērion) means “a faculty of perception” or “a sense.” It refers to the ability to perceive or sense, specifically relating to the sensory faculties or the means through which sensory perception occurs. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe a person’s ability to discern or understand.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G145 αἰσθητήριον (aisthētērion): Strong’s defines this term as “a faculty of perception” or “a sense.” The word is used in Hebrews 5:14 to describe the faculty through which one discerns good and evil. It implies the sensory or mental capability to perceive and make judgments. Strong’s highlights its application to both literal sensory faculties and metaphorical discernment.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἰσθητήριον means “a faculty of perception” or “a sense.” Thayer’s explains that the term is used in Hebrews 5:14 to refer to the mental and moral faculties that enable someone to discern and judge correctly. This includes not only physical senses but also the intellectual and moral capacities that guide understanding and decision-making.

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

• BDB describes αἰσθητήριον as “a faculty of perception” or “a sense.” The lexicon emphasizes its use in contexts involving discernment or judgment, particularly in Hebrews 5:14, where it denotes the ability to make distinctions between good and evil. BDB’s explanation reflects the term’s role in both sensory perception and intellectual discernment.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἰσθητήριον as “a faculty of perception” or “a sense.” It provides examples from classical and New Testament Greek where the term describes the sensory faculties or abilities to perceive and judge. In Hebrews 5:14, it is used to indicate the moral and intellectual sense needed for discerning between good and evil. LSJ notes the term’s use in both literal and metaphorical contexts.

In summary, αἰσθητήριον refers to the faculty of perception or sense, encompassing both sensory abilities and intellectual or moral discernment, as used in the New Testament to describe the capability for understanding and judgment.