Brief Overview of αἴσθησις (G144)

The Greek word αἴσθησις (aisthēsis) means “perception,” “sensation,” or “feeling.” It refers to the process of perceiving or experiencing something through the senses, and can also denote a more abstract sense of awareness or mental perception.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G144 αἴσθησις (aisthēsis): Strong’s defines this term as “perception,” “sensation,” or “feeling.” The word is used to describe the faculty or process of perceiving through the senses, such as sight, hearing, or touch. It can also relate to an abstract or intellectual sense of awareness or understanding. The term appears in contexts where sensory or cognitive perception is relevant (e.g., Hebrews 5:14).

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἴσθησις means “perception,” “sensation,” or “feeling.” Thayer’s elaborates on the term’s usage to describe both physical senses, such as seeing and hearing (e.g., Hebrews 5:14), and more abstract forms of awareness or understanding. Thayer’s emphasizes that it encompasses the broad range of sensory experiences and intellectual perceptions.

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

• BDB describes αἴσθησις as “perception,” “sensation,” or “feeling.” The lexicon highlights its use in contexts involving sensory perception and intellectual awareness. This includes both the immediate experience of sensory data and the more reflective aspect of understanding or realizing something (e.g., Hebrews 5:14). BDB reflects the term’s dual focus on physical and cognitive perception.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἴσθησις as “perception,” “sensation,” or “feeling.” It provides examples from classical and New Testament Greek where the term is used to describe sensory perception, such as the experience of touch or sight, and more abstract forms of awareness or understanding (e.g., Hebrews 5:14). LSJ notes the term’s application in both sensory and intellectual contexts.

In summary, αἴσθησις refers to the concepts of perception, sensation, and feeling, covering both sensory experiences and intellectual awareness in the New Testament.