Brief Overview of ἀρετή (G703: aretē)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aretē

Root Words:

• ἀρετή (aretē): Derived from the Greek root related to virtue and excellence, it signifies a state of moral excellence or virtue.

Primary Meanings:

• Virtue: The term ἀρετή primarily refers to moral virtue or excellence, highlighting the quality of being morally good or righteous.
• Excellence: It can denote a general sense of excellence or high quality, particularly in moral and ethical contexts.
• Moral Goodness: It encompasses the idea of being morally good and fulfilling ethical standards.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀρετή as “virtue” or “excellence,” focusing on moral and ethical quality. It emphasizes the term’s use in contexts of moral goodness and high moral standards.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀρετή as “virtue” or “excellence,” highlighting its role in describing moral and ethical qualities.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀρετή signifies “virtue” or “excellence,” often used to describe moral and ethical attributes.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀρετή as “virtue” or “excellence,” emphasizing its application in contexts of high moral standards and ethical behavior.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀρετή as “virtue” or “excellence,” reflecting its use in moral and ethical contexts.

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Bible Verses:

• Philippians 4:8 (KJV): “Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
• The term “virtue” here aligns with the meaning of ἀρετή, referring to moral excellence.
• 1 Peter 2:9 (KJV): “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.”
• The word “praises” reflects the concept of ἀρετή in demonstrating moral excellence and virtue.
• 2 Peter 1:5 (KJV): “And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;”
• “Virtue” in this verse represents the concept of ἀρετή, indicating moral excellence added to faith.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἀρετή is used to discuss various forms of virtue and excellence:

• Aristotle: Aristotle extensively explores the concept of ἀρετή in his works, particularly in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” where he discusses virtue as a mean between extremes and its role in achieving a good life.
• Plato: Plato uses ἀρετή in his dialogues to describe the ideal virtues necessary for a just society and the moral excellence required of individuals.
• Sophocles: In his tragedies, Sophocles often portrays characters whose actions and moral choices reflect the concept of ἀρετή, emphasizing its importance in personal and social contexts.

4. Summary:

The term ἀρετή (G703: aretē) signifies “virtue” or “excellence,” derived from Greek roots related to moral goodness and high quality. BDAG and other lexicons describe it as encompassing moral and ethical excellence, reflecting its use in discussing high moral standards. In classical Greek literature, ἀρετή is prominently featured in discussions of virtue and ethical behavior, underscoring its significance in achieving moral and personal excellence.