Brief Overview of ἀφανίζω (G853: aphanizō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aphanizō

Root Words: The Greek verb ἀφανίζω (aphanizō) is derived from the adjective ἀφανής (aphanēs), meaning “invisible” or “unseen,” and the verb-forming suffix -ίζω (-izō), which denotes causing something to be in a certain state. Thus, ἀφανίζω means “to make unseen,” “to cause to disappear,” or “to destroy.”

Primary Meanings:

• To Disappear or Vanish: This usage refers to causing something to become invisible or to vanish from sight.
• To Destroy or Ruin: In a broader sense, it can mean to bring something to ruin or to obliterate it completely.
• To Disfigure or Mar: The word can also imply causing something to lose its appearance or to become unrecognizable.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀφανίζω primarily as “to cause to disappear,” “to destroy,” or “to ruin.” The lexicon emphasizes that the term is often used metaphorically to describe the fading away or loss of something, such as beauty, wealth, or even life. BDAG notes that the word is used in contexts where something is either physically removed from sight or brought to a state of non-existence.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon aligns with BDAG, describing ἀφανίζω as “to render invisible,” “to blot out,” or “to destroy.” Thayer’s also mentions the figurative use of the term, where it can refer to the disfigurement or marring of someone’s appearance, particularly in the context of fasting or mourning.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary expands on the meanings provided by BDAG and Thayer’s, adding that ἀφανίζω can also mean “to cause to disappear by destruction.” Vines notes that the term is used in the New Testament to describe the ephemeral nature of worldly treasures and human appearance.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a comprehensive overview, noting that ἀφανίζω can mean “to make invisible,” “to obliterate,” or “to efface.” LSJ emphasizes that the term can be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from physical disappearance to metaphorical destruction.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀφανίζω as “to make disappear,” “to disfigure,” or “to destroy.” The concordance highlights the word’s use in describing both literal and figurative forms of disappearance or destruction.

Bible Verses:

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• Matthew 6:16 (KJV): “Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure (ἀφανίζουσιν) their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
• Here, ἀφανίζω is used to describe the act of disfiguring one’s face, a practice meant to show outward piety.
• James 1:11 (KJV): “For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth (ἀφανίζεται): so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.”
• In this verse, ἀφανίζω is used metaphorically to describe the fading away or disappearance of wealth and beauty.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Herodotus: In his Histories, Herodotus uses ἀφανίζω to describe the complete destruction or disappearance of cities and peoples during wars.
• Euripides: In his play Hecuba, Euripides uses the term to depict the ruin and devastation that befell Troy after its fall, emphasizing the obliteration of its former glory.
• Plato: In his dialogue Phaedrus, Plato uses ἀφανίζω in a philosophical context, referring to the fading away of physical pleasures and the pursuit of higher, more lasting ideals.

4. Summary:

ἀφανίζω (aphanizō) is a Greek verb that means “to make disappear,” “to destroy,” or “to disfigure.” Derived from the word ἀφανής (aphanēs), meaning “invisible,” it carries the notion of causing something to vanish or become unrecognizable. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s concur on the core meanings of the word, with applications ranging from literal disappearance to metaphorical destruction. In both the New Testament and classic Greek literature, ἀφανίζω is used to convey the idea of something being obliterated, ruined, or made to fade away, underscoring the transient nature of material and worldly things.