The Greek word ἀπάντησις (apántēsis) generally means “meeting” or “encounter.” It is used to denote a formal or significant meeting, often with a connotation of an official or pre-arranged encounter. The term can also imply a response or answer to a call or need, emphasizing the interaction between parties in a notable or purposeful way.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀπάντησις as “meeting,” noting its application to the context of encountering someone, particularly in a formal or significant situation. The term is used to describe a meeting that holds particular importance or formality.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG elaborates on ἀπάντησις as “meeting,” with a focus on its use in contexts where a formal or significant encounter occurs. BDAG provides examples from classical and biblical Greek where the term denotes an official or notable meeting.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ describes ἀπάντησις as “a meeting” or “encounter,” indicating its use in both classical and Hellenistic Greek to refer to formal or arranged meetings. The lexicon highlights its application in various contexts where an encounter is noteworthy or significant.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s defines ἀπάντησις as “meeting,” especially focusing on its use in contexts where an encounter is of particular importance. Thayer’s emphasizes the term’s application to formal or significant meetings, highlighting its role in indicating notable encounters.

In summary, ἀπάντησις (apántēsis) primarily means “meeting” or “encounter,” with an emphasis on formal or significant encounters. Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon all support this definition, noting the term’s use in contexts where the meeting is noteworthy or official.