Brief Overview of ἀφειδία (G857: apheidia)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: apheidia

Root Words: The Greek noun ἀφειδία (apheidia) is derived from the verb φείδομαι (pheidomai), meaning “to spare” or “to refrain.” The prefix ἀ- (a-) is a negative particle, giving the word the sense of “not sparing” or “without restraint.”

Primary Meanings:

• Lack of Restraint: The primary meaning of ἀφειδία is “lack of restraint” or “excessive self-denial.” It implies a state of not sparing oneself, often in the context of harsh or severe treatment of the body.
• Self-Indulgence: The term can also be understood in some contexts as “wantonness” or a lack of discipline, particularly in moral or physical self-control.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀφειδία as “severity” or “harsh treatment” of the body, often in the context of ascetic practices where individuals do not spare themselves from harsh discipline. The lexicon emphasizes the word’s connection to excessive self-denial or strict physical discipline.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Lexicon also explains ἀφειδία as “unsparing treatment” or “excessive austerity,” particularly in relation to the body. Thayer’s notes that the word is used in contexts where there is a deliberate choice to deny oneself comfort or indulgence.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights the ascetic nature of ἀφειδία, focusing on its meaning as “severe treatment of the body.” Vines adds that the word conveys the idea of not sparing oneself in the pursuit of spiritual or moral rigor.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon describes ἀφειδία as “unsparingness” or “ruthlessness,” primarily in the context of treatment towards oneself or others. LSJ emphasizes the harsh and severe nature of the term, particularly in its application to physical or moral discipline.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀφειδία as “unsparing,” underscoring its use in contexts of harsh treatment or severe self-discipline. The concordance notes the term’s association with ascetic practices and excessive austerity.

Bible Verses:

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• Colossians 2:23 (KJV): “Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting (ἀφειδία) of the body; not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.”
• In this verse, ἀφειδία refers to the harsh treatment or neglect of the body, particularly in the context of ascetic practices that appear wise but lack true spiritual value.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato: In The Republic, Plato discusses the concept of ἀφειδία in relation to the self-discipline of the guardians, who are expected to show unsparing commitment to their duties, even to the point of neglecting their own bodily needs.
• Epictetus: The Stoic philosopher Epictetus uses ἀφειδία in his Discourses to describe the unsparing or severe treatment that a person might subject themselves to in pursuit of virtue, emphasizing the importance of moderation even in self-discipline.
• Philo of Alexandria: Philo, in his writings on asceticism, discusses ἀφειδία as a form of excessive self-denial, warning against the dangers of going to extremes in religious practices.

4. Summary:

ἀφειδία (apheidia) is a Greek noun that signifies “lack of restraint,” “excessive self-denial,” or “harsh treatment.” The word is derived from the verb φείδομαι (to spare) and the negative prefix ἀ- (a-), giving it the meaning of “not sparing” oneself. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, LSJ, and Strong’s agree that the term primarily refers to severe or unsparing treatment of the body, often in the context of ascetic practices. In classical Greek literature, ἀφειδία is used to describe the concept of harsh self-discipline, particularly in the pursuit of virtue or spiritual goals. While the term can carry positive connotations of commitment and rigor, it also warns against the dangers of excessive austerity and the neglect of one’s well-being.