Brief Overview of ἀστήρικτος (G793: astēriktos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: astēriktos

Root Words: The term ἀστήρικτος (astēriktos) is derived from the Greek word ἀστήρ (astēr, “star”) combined with the suffix -ικτός (-iktos), which implies a quality or condition. The prefix ἀ- (a-) denotes negation.

Primary Meanings:

• Without Stars: Literally means “starless” or “lacking stars.”
• Figurative Use: Can imply a state of being devoid of guidance, brightness, or significance, similar to how a starless sky is dark and lacks the usual celestial guidance.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀστήρικτος as “without stars,” indicating a state or condition of lacking stars. It is used metaphorically to describe situations or conditions that lack guidance or illumination.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon reflects that ἀστήρικτος means “starless,” focusing on the absence of stars in a literal sense and extending this to metaphorical interpretations of lacking light or direction.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights that ἀστήρικτος is used to describe something “starless” or lacking celestial guidance, often implying a state of darkness or confusion.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀστήρικτος as “starless,” emphasizing its literal meaning and its figurative use to denote a lack of light or guidance.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s lists ἀστήρικτος as “starless,” which indicates the absence of stars and can imply a metaphorical absence of guidance or illumination.

Bible Verses:

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• Revelation 6:12 (KJV): “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood.”
• Although this verse does not use ἀστήρικτος directly, it describes a cosmic event where celestial bodies are obscured, metaphorically aligning with the concept of being starless.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer and Hesiod discuss celestial phenomena, but specific instances of ἀστήρικτος in their texts are rare. The concept of being starless is implied in descriptions of dark or chaotic skies.
• Aristotle and other early Greek philosophers might use terms related to celestial objects but do not specifically reference ἀστήρικτος. The term reflects a condition of lacking stars, which would align with their discussions of the heavens and celestial order.

4. Summary:

ἀστήρικτος (astēriktos) means “starless,” indicating a state or condition where stars are absent. This term can describe both literal and metaphorical situations lacking celestial guidance or illumination. Although its use in classic Greek literature is not abundant, the concept of being without stars conveys a sense of darkness or lack of direction, reflecting the absence of light and guidance.