Brief Overview of ἅρπαξ (G727: harpax)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: harpax

Root Words:

• ἅρπαξ (harpax): Derived from the verb ἁρπάζω (harpázō), meaning “to seize” or “to snatch.”

Primary Meanings:

• Seizer: The term ἅρπαξ primarily means “one who seizes” or “one who snatches.”
• Ravenous: It can also imply a sense of greed or ravenousness, describing someone who is eager to take or grasp things aggressively.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἅρπαξ as “a robber” or “one who seizes,” emphasizing its use in describing a person who takes things by force or through aggressive means. It often carries a negative connotation, indicating greed or extortion.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἅρπαξ as “a plunderer” or “one who seizes,” highlighting its use for someone who takes things with force or as a predator.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἅρπαξ refers to “a thief” or “one who plunders,” underlining its application in contexts involving unlawful or greedy taking.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἅρπαξ as “one who seizes” or “a rapacious person,” reflecting its use to describe someone who takes things by force or with greed.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἅρπαξ as “a robber” or “a rapacious person,” consistent with its usage to denote someone who seizes or plunders.

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Bible Verses:

• Matthew 7:15 (KJV): “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”
• The term ἅρπαξ is used metaphorically here to describe false prophets as “ravening” or greedy, indicating their intent to seize or exploit.
• John 10:12 (KJV): “But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.”
• In this context, the term is used to describe the wolf as a “seizer” or predator.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἅρπαξ is employed to denote someone who seizes or plunders:

• Aristophanes’ Comedies (circa 5th century BC): Uses the term to describe aggressive or greedy individuals, often in a satirical context.
• Plato’s Dialogues (circa 4th century BC): Includes references to individuals characterized as “harpax” in discussions about morality and justice.
• Xenophon’s Anabasis (circa 4th century BC): Features the term to describe aggressive or predatory behavior in military and political contexts.

4. Summary:

ἅρπαξ (G727: harpax) means “a seizer” or “one who snatches,” often with a connotation of greed or aggression. BDAG and other lexicons agree on its use to describe someone who takes things by force or with a rapacious nature. Classic Greek literature illustrates its application in contexts involving robbery, plunder, or predatory behavior. The term conveys a sense of aggressive or greedy taking, reflecting its negative connotations.