Brief Overview of ἅλωσις (G259)

ἅλωσις (halōsis) is a Greek noun that primarily means “capture” or “taking by force.” It is used in a historical and military context to describe the act of seizing or capturing a city or territory. The term can also extend metaphorically to signify the act of being taken or captured in a broader sense.

Possible Meanings:

1. Literal Meaning:

• Capture or Siege: Refers to the military action of taking control of a city or territory by force.

1. Metaphorical Use:

• Being Captured: Used metaphorically to describe a state of being taken or captured in a non-literal sense.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἅλωσις as “capture” or “taking by force,” noting its use primarily in historical contexts. The lexicon cites its appearance in the context of the fall or capture of cities, reflecting its literal meaning of a military siege or capture. BDAG provides detailed usage examples and etymological insights.

2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):

• LSJ describes ἅλωσις as “a capture” or “a taking by siege.” The lexicon details its use in ancient Greek texts, focusing on its literal application to the capture of cities or territories, and provides historical context for its usage.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

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• Thayer defines ἅλωσις as “a capture,” with specific reference to the capture or siege of cities. Thayer’s entry emphasizes the term’s application to military contexts, detailing how it conveys the concept of being taken by force.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance defines ἅλωσις as “capture” or “taking by force.” It provides a basic understanding of the term, with references to its use in describing the capture of cities and territories.

Summary:
ἅλωσις refers to “capture” or “taking by force,” predominantly used in a military context to describe the act of capturing or besieging a city or territory. The term can also be applied metaphorically to denote a state of being taken or captured. BDAG, LSJ, Thayer, and Strong’s Concordance all provide insights into its usage, emphasizing its historical and literal connotations.