Brief Overview of ἀσμένως (G780: asmēnōs)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: asmēnōs

Root Words: The term ἀσμένως (asmēnōs) comes from the Greek root ἄσμενος (asmēnos), which means “glad” or “pleased.”

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Primary Meanings:

• Gladly: The word is used to describe an action done with pleasure or willingness.
• Willingly: It conveys the sense of doing something with a good attitude or eagerness.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀσμένως as “gladly” or “willingly.” It is used to express the manner in which something is done with pleasure or readiness. The lexicon emphasizes that this term reflects a positive disposition toward an action.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon similarly translates ἀσμένως as “gladly” or “willingly,” highlighting the voluntary and joyful nature of the action described by the word.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary confirms that ἀσμένως means “gladly” or “willingly,” noting its use in contexts where someone performs an action with pleasure or eagerness.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes ἀσμένως as “gladly” or “cheerfully,” focusing on the positive attitude accompanying the action.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀσμένως as “gladly” or “willingly,” consistent with its use in expressing readiness and joy in undertaking something.

Bible Verses:

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 (KJV): “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.”
• The term cheerful here translates from ἀσμένως, illustrating the joyful and willing attitude in giving.
• Philippians 4:14 (KJV): “Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.”
• In this context, well done reflects the spirit of ἀσμένως, suggesting a positive and willing attitude.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato’s Republic: The term ἀσμένως appears in discussions about the ideal state and the nature of happiness, indicating a willingly positive attitude towards societal roles.
• Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics: Used to describe the virtuous man’s approach to actions done with pleasure and willingness.
• Xenophon’s Memorabilia: The word appears in dialogues reflecting on actions performed with gladness and eagerness, illustrating its use in personal and ethical contexts.

4. Summary:

ἀσμένως (G780: asmēnōs) means “gladly” or “willingly,” reflecting an attitude of pleasure and eagerness in performing an action. Its use in biblical and classical Greek literature underscores the importance of a positive disposition and willingness in various contexts, from personal actions to ethical considerations. Understanding ἀσμένως provides insight into the cultural values of joy and readiness in both ancient Greek and biblical contexts.