Brief Overview of ἀσσάριον (G787: assárion)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: assárion

Root Words: The term ἀσσάριον (assárion) is derived from the Latin as (a type of coin) and is used in Greek to denote a small monetary unit.

Primary Meanings:

• Small Coin: Refers to a small denomination of money, often considered a minimal or insignificant amount.
• Assarion: Specifically used in ancient Greek to denote a coin of low value, often compared to other currencies in terms of worth.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀσσάριον as a small coin, specifically a Greek coin of low value. It highlights its use as a minimal monetary unit in transactions, often representing a minor sum.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon notes that ἀσσάριον is a small coin used in ancient Greece, emphasizing its low value and limited purchasing power.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary defines ἀσσάριον as a small coin, detailing its use in economic transactions and its role in the monetary system of ancient Greece.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes ἀσσάριον as a low-value coin, indicating its use in everyday transactions and its minor significance in the economic system.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s refers to ἀσσάριον as a small coin, focusing on its minimal value and use in financial contexts.

Bible Verses:

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• Matthew 10:29 (KJV): “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.”
• The term ἀσσάριον is used here to denote a very small and insignificant amount of money, reflecting its low value.
• Mark 12:42 (KJV): “And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.”
• In this context, ἀσσάριον refers to a very small denomination of money, highlighting its minimal worth.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle’s Politics: ἀσσάριον is used to describe small monetary units in discussions about economic systems and social class.
• Plato’s Republic: The term appears in contexts relating to financial transactions and the valuation of different types of currency.
• Xenophon’s Oeconomicus: ἀσσάριον is mentioned in discussions about household management and economic transactions, reflecting its role in everyday financial matters.

4. Summary:

ἀσσάριον (G787: assárion) denotes a small coin of low value in ancient Greek currency. It represents a minimal amount of money, often used in everyday transactions. The term is reflected in both biblical and classical literature as a minor monetary unit, highlighting its significance in financial contexts as a minimal denomination.