Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial for biblical studies, as it allows for a more precise interpretation of the original texts. The Greek word ἴασις (iasis) is particularly significant due to its frequent use in the New Testament to describe healing and restoration, both in a physical and spiritual sense. Studying this word provides insights into how the early Christian community understood divine healing, a central theme in the Gospels and Acts.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἴασις, transliterated as iasis [ee-AH-sis].
- Etymology: Derived from the verb ἰάομαι (iaomai), meaning “to heal” or “to cure.”
- Part of Speech: Noun, feminine; third declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Healing: The process of making whole or restoring to health.
- Cure: An act or method of restoring health or remedying a disease.
- Restoration: A broader sense of being restored to a previous state of wholeness or health.
Similar Words: ἰάομαι (iaomai), the verb form of ἴασις, means “to heal” or “to cure” and is used to describe the act of healing, while θεραπεύω (therapeuo) means “to serve” or “to heal” and often implies a more ongoing process of treatment or care.
Further Insights: ἴασις is a feminine noun and follows the third declension pattern in Greek. Its usage in the New Testament primarily conveys the concept of miraculous healing by divine intervention. The noun form emphasizes the result or state of being healed rather than the act itself. Below is the declension of ἴασις in singular and plural forms:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἴασις | ιάσεις |
| Genitive | ιάσεως | ιάσεων |
| Dative | ιάσει | ιάσεσιν |
| Accusative | ιάσιν | ιάσεις |
| Vocative | ἴασις | ιάσεις |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἴασις refers to a “healing” or “cure” in the physical and spiritual sense. The term is used in the New Testament to describe the miraculous healings performed by Jesus and His disciples, emphasizing divine power and restoration.
Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon defines ἴασις as “healing” or “curing,” particularly in the context of miraculous or divine healing. It is linked to the verb ἰάομαι, which also means “to heal” or “to make whole.”
Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary discusses ἴασις in the context of miraculous healings in the New Testament. It notes that the term is always associated with divine intervention and differs slightly from other Greek terms for healing that may imply a natural or gradual process.
LSJ: The LSJ lexicon notes that ἴασις means “healing” or “remedy” in classical Greek literature. It appears in medical texts and philosophical works, often in relation to both physical and spiritual healing.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance lists ἴασις as G2392, noting its root in the verb ἰάομαι and its primary meaning as “healing” or “cure.” It highlights the term’s use in biblical passages that describe miraculous acts of restoration and healing.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 13:32: “And He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox, “Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures [ἰάσεις] today and tomorrow, and the third day I reach My goal.”‘”
- Acts 4:22: “For the man was more than forty years old on whom this miracle of healing [ἴασις] had been performed.”
- Acts 4:30: “While You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”
Classical Usage
ἴασις is used in classical Greek literature to describe both physical and metaphorical healing. It appears in works discussing medicine, philosophy, and even ethics, emphasizing healing as a process or state.
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Charmides | “There is a healing (ἴασις) of the body, and also a healing of the soul, which is more precious.” |
| Hippocrates | On the Sacred Disease | “The physician brings healing (ἴασις) through knowledge and understanding of natural processes.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “Virtue is a kind of healing (ἴασις) for the soul, akin to health for the body.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 53:5 | “By His stripes, we are healed (ἴασις).” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 103:3 | “Who forgives all your iniquities, who heals (ἴασις) all your diseases.” |
| Septuagint | Jeremiah 33:6 | “Behold, I will bring to it health and healing (ἴασις); I will heal them and reveal to them an abundance.” |
Summary of ἴασις (G2392)
The Greek word ἴασις (iasis) is a powerful term that conveys healing, restoration, and divine intervention. Appearing in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, ἴασις emphasizes the result of being healed or cured, often in a miraculous context. It reflects not only physical healing but also spiritual and metaphorical restoration, aligning with the biblical theme of salvation and redemption.
Did You Know?
- Did You Know? The word ἴασις is closely related to the Greek verb ἰάομαι, which is also used in the New Testament to describe Jesus’ healing miracles.
- Did You Know? In ancient Greek philosophy, healing (ἴασις) was often discussed in relation to the health of both the body and the soul, reflecting a holistic understanding of well-being.
This comprehensive overview of ἴασις offers a deeper understanding of its significance in both biblical and classical contexts, illustrating its enduring relevance and richness in conveying the concept of healing and restoration.
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