Brief Overview of αὐλή (G833: aulē)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aulē

Root Words: The Greek noun αὐλή (aulē) derives from αὐλός (aulós), meaning “pipe” or “flute.” The term broadly relates to places or spaces associated with musical performance or gathering.

Primary Meanings:

• Courtyard or Hall: The primary meaning of αὐλή is a courtyard or an open space, often within a building or around it.
• Place of Musical Performance: It can also refer to a space where music, especially pipe or flute music, is performed.
• Passage or Inner Room: In some contexts, αὐλή may denote a passage or a room, particularly in the context of domestic architecture.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐλή as “a courtyard” or “an open space,” highlighting its architectural and domestic usage. The term can also refer to a place of musical performance, reflecting its roots in the word for a musical instrument.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes αὐλή as “a courtyard,” specifically the open area in a house or a building, and occasionally refers to a place associated with musical activities.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that αὐλή primarily means “a courtyard” or “an open space,” with secondary references to areas associated with music or assembly.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a comprehensive definition, including “courtyard,” “hall,” and “place of musical performance,” reflecting the term’s broad usage in various contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies αὐλή as “a courtyard,” with additional meanings related to spaces and passages.

Bible Verses:

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• John 10:23 (KJV): “And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch.”
• The term “porch” translates αὐλή in this context, referring to an open area or courtyard.
• Acts 5:12 (KJV): “And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; and they were all with one accord in Solomon’s porch.”
• Here, αὐλή is translated as “porch,” indicating a large, open area within the temple complex.
• Hebrews 13:11 (KJV): “For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.”
• The term “camp” in some translations may reflect a broader understanding of αὐλή as a space or enclosure.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In the Iliad and Odyssey, αὐλή is used to describe courtyards or open spaces in the context of domestic settings or palaces.
• Pindar: Pindar’s odes mention courtyards and open areas in ceremonial contexts, reflecting the term’s architectural meaning.
• Sophocles: In plays, αὐλή appears in references to courtyards and open spaces, illustrating its use in domestic and public settings.

4. Summary:

αὐλή (aulē) primarily means “courtyard” or “open space,” with additional connotations of places associated with music or gathering. Its use in ancient Greek literature and the Bible highlights its architectural significance and its role in public and ceremonial spaces. Understanding αὐλή provides insight into ancient Greek domestic architecture and public spaces, as well as its representation in various literary and biblical contexts.