Brief Overview of ἀφεδρών (G856: aphedrōn)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aphedrōn

Root Words: The Greek noun ἀφεδρών (aphedrōn) is derived from the verb ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), meaning “to send away” or “to discharge.” The word is composed of ἀπὸ (apo, “from”) and ἕδρα (hedra, “seat”), which together imply something related to a “sitting place” or “discharge.”

Primary Meanings:

• Privy: A term used to describe a toilet or latrine, particularly in ancient contexts.
• Sewer or Drain: Referring to the waste disposal systems or conduits used in ancient times.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG identifies ἀφεδρών as a term used to denote a “privy” or “latrine,” specifically referring to the place where human waste is disposed of. The lexicon notes that the word is not common in the New Testament but is used to describe the concept of waste elimination. BDAG emphasizes that this term relates to physical waste discharge in a literal sense.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Lexicon also defines ἀφεδρών as a “privy” or “place of discharge.” Thayer’s highlights the literal meaning of the term as a location used for the disposal of bodily waste, particularly in ancient domestic or public contexts.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary concurs with BDAG and Thayer’s, noting that ἀφεδρών refers to a “latrine” or “sewer.” Vines adds that the word is associated with waste removal in a physical sense, typically referring to ancient facilities used for such purposes.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a broader understanding, explaining that ἀφεδρών can refer to any “outlet” or “sewer” used for the discharge of waste. LSJ emphasizes the term’s application in both domestic and public settings in ancient Greek society.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀφεδρών as a “privy” or “drain,” underscoring its use in the context of waste disposal. The concordance highlights the literal meaning of the term and its association with ancient sanitary practices.

Bible Verses:

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• Mark 7:19 (KJV): “Because it entereth not into his heart, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught (ἀφεδρών), purging all meats.”
• This verse uses ἀφεδρών to describe the bodily process of waste elimination, emphasizing the physical nature of the term.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Hippocrates: In medical writings attributed to Hippocrates, ἀφεδρών is used to describe the excretion process and the organs involved in the removal of bodily waste.
• Aristophanes: In The Knights, Aristophanes uses ἀφεδρών humorously to refer to the privies in ancient Athens, reflecting the term’s everyday usage.
• Galen: The term appears in the works of Galen, where it is used to describe the functioning of the human digestive system and the elimination of waste.

4. Summary:

ἀφεδρών (aphedrōn) is a Greek noun meaning “privy,” “latrine,” or “sewer.” Derived from the verb ἀφίημι (to discharge) and the noun ἕδρα (seat), the term conveys the idea of a place designated for the disposal of bodily waste. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s agree on the core meaning of the word, which is used primarily in a literal sense to describe ancient sanitary facilities. In classic Greek literature, ἀφεδρών is used in medical, comedic, and anatomical contexts, illustrating its role in everyday life and scholarly discussions about waste elimination. The term provides a glimpse into the practical aspects of hygiene and sanitation in the ancient world.