Brief Overview of αὐχμηρός (G850: auxmēros)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: auxmēros

Root Words: The Greek word αὐχμηρός (auxmēros) is derived from the root αὐχμή (auxmē), meaning “dry” or “parched.”

Primary Meanings:

• Dry or Parched: Refers to something that is dry, arid, or lacking moisture.
• Figurative Use: Can describe something that is barren, lifeless, or unfruitful.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐχμηρός as “dry,” particularly in the context of being arid or lacking moisture. The term can be used both literally to describe a dry landscape and figuratively to denote barrenness or a lack of vitality.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes αὐχμηρός as referring to something dry or parched. It is often used to depict desolate or barren conditions.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains that αὐχμηρός means “dry” or “arid,” and it can also imply a lack of spiritual or emotional vitality when used figuratively.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a definition of αὐχμηρός as “dry” or “parched,” used to describe physical dryness as well as metaphorical barrenness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines αὐχμηρός as “dry” or “parched,” emphasizing its use in contexts describing dryness or lack of moisture.

Bible Verses:

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• Matthew 21:19 (KJV): “And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.”
• In this verse, the term reflects the barren state of the fig tree.
• Luke 11:42 (KJV): “But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.”
• Here, αὐχμηρός is not directly used but relates to the concept of spiritual barrenness, as it describes a lack of genuine piety.
• Hebrews 6:8 (KJV): “But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.”
• This verse metaphorically uses dryness to illustrate unfruitfulness.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In The Iliad, Homer describes arid landscapes and desolate areas, where terms similar to αὐχμηρός are used to convey dryness and barrenness.
• Aristotle: Aristotle in his Meteorology discusses arid climates and barren lands using concepts closely related to αὐχμηρός.
• Euripides: In Hippolytus, Euripides employs imagery of dryness to reflect desolation and lifelessness, aligning with the figurative use of αὐχμηρός.

4. Summary:

αὐχμηρός (auxmēros) combines the sense of “dry” or “parched,” derived from αὐχμή (auxmē). Defined by BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ, it emphasizes both literal dryness and metaphorical barrenness. Its use in Biblical and classical Greek literature illustrates its application to describe desolate conditions and unfruitfulness. Understanding αὐχμηρός helps to grasp the concept of dryness and barrenness, both in physical and spiritual contexts.