Brief Overview of ἀρά (G685: ará)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: ará

Root Words:

• The word ἀρά does not have a specific root but is derived from a general sense of invoking or requesting something, often related to prayer or supplication.

Primary Meanings:

• Prayer
• Invocation
• Curse
• Imprecation

In classical and biblical contexts, ἀρά typically refers to a type of prayer or curse, often involving a request or appeal, either for blessings or for invoking divine judgment.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀρά as a form of “prayer” or “invocation,” particularly in the context of requesting or invoking something from a deity. It can also refer to a “curse” or “imprecation,” depending on the context. The usage often implies a formal or serious plea for divine action.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀρά primarily as “prayer” or “invocation,” but notes that it can also be used in the sense of a “curse” or “imprecation,” especially in contexts where a person invokes divine retribution.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary also emphasizes that ἀρά refers to a form of “prayer” or “invocation,” highlighting its use in invoking divine favor or judgment.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes ἀρά as a “prayer” or “curse,” noting its application in invoking either blessings or curses.

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Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀρά as “prayer” or “imprecation,” reflecting its use in invoking divine intervention or expressing a strong desire for something.

Bible Verses:

• Acts 23:12 (KJV): “And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink till they had killed Paul.”
• Here, ἀρά is used in the context of a curse or imprecation made by the Jews against Paul.
• Romans 3:15 (KJV): “Their feet are swift to shed blood.”
• In this verse, ἀρά is implied in the sense of invoking divine judgment or retribution, reflecting the notion of a curse or condemnation.
• Matthew 27:25 (KJV): “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.”
• The phrase represents a form of imprecation or curse, invoking a plea for divine retribution.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἀρά is used in the following ways:

• Homer uses the term to describe formal prayers or invocations to the gods, often to request assistance or divine favor.
• Sophocles employs ἀρά in his tragedies to denote curses or imprecations invoked by characters seeking divine judgment.
• Herodotus refers to ἀρά in historical contexts where individuals or groups make formal requests or curses, reflecting cultural practices of invoking divine action.

4. Summary:

The Greek word ἀρά (G685: ará) primarily means “prayer” or “invocation” and is also used to refer to “curse” or “imprecation.” Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ define the term with a focus on its application in invoking divine action or expressing serious requests. Biblical usage includes both prayers for blessings and curses invoking divine judgment. In classic Greek literature, ἀρά is applied to formal requests, curses, or invocations, reflecting its significance in cultural and religious practices of the time.