Brief Overview of ἁρμός (G719: harmós)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: harmós

Root Words:

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• ἁρμός (harmós): This term derives from the verb ἁρμόζω (harmozō), meaning “to fit together” or “to join.”

Primary Meanings:

• Joint or Connection: The primary meaning of ἁρμός is a “joint” or a point of connection where parts are joined or fitted together.
• Fitting or Adjustment: It can also refer to the concept of things being adjusted or fitting properly, often in a physical or structural context.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἁρμός as “a joint” or “a fitting” in a structural sense, emphasizing its role in describing the connection between parts. It often relates to physical joints, but can also metaphorically refer to points of connection or alignment.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἁρμός as “a joint” or “a fastening,” highlighting its use in describing points where different parts meet or are connected.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary refers to ἁρμός as “a joint” or “a fastening,” stressing its significance in structural or mechanical contexts where elements come together.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon also defines ἁρμός as “a joint” or “a fastening,” noting its application in describing connections and alignments in physical structures.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἁρμός as “a joint” or “a fastening,” focusing on its role in describing points of connection between parts.

Bible Verses:

• Ephesians 4:16 (KJV): “From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.”
• This verse uses ἁρμός to describe the “joints” or connections that contribute to the body’s unity and effective functioning.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἁρμός is used to describe physical joints or points of connection:

• Homer’s Iliad (circa 8th century BC): The term is used to describe joints or connections in the context of armor or weapons.
• Aristotle’s Mechanics (circa 350 BC): Aristotle uses the term to discuss mechanical joints and how different parts of a machine or structure are connected.
• Euclid’s Elements (circa 300 BC): Euclid refers to ἁρμός in describing geometric principles related to connections and alignments.

4. Summary:

ἁρμός (G719: harmós) refers to a “joint” or “connection,” derived from the verb ἁρμόζω (harmozō), meaning “to fit together” or “to join.” It emphasizes the concept of physical or structural connections where parts are joined. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all describe it in terms of physical joints or fittings, with its use illustrated in Ephesians 4:16 to describe the unity and functioning of the body of Christ. Classic Greek literature highlights its application in various contexts of physical and structural connections.