1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Aponémō

Root Words: The term ἀπονέμω (aponémō) comes from the prefix ἀπό (apó, “from”) and the verb νέμω (némō, “to distribute” or “to allot”).

Primary Meanings:

• To distribute or allocate something.
• To bestow or give out according to a certain measure or judgment.
• To assign or grant a portion, often in the context of rewards or shares.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπονέμω as “to distribute, allot, or assign.” It is used in the sense of giving out something according to a specific measure or judgement, often in contexts where something is being divided or apportioned.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπονέμω as “to distribute, to allot.” It emphasizes the action of giving out portions or rewards according to a particular system or judgment.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀπονέμω means “to distribute” or “to allot.” It is used for the act of assigning portions or rewards, particularly in legal or formal contexts.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀπονέμω as “to distribute, to allot,” with a focus on the act of dividing or granting shares, often used in administrative or formal settings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀπονέμω as “to distribute” or “to give out,” focusing on the act of allocating or assigning portions.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

Homer (Iliad, 8th century BCE): Homer uses ἀπονέμω to describe the distribution of rewards or shares among characters, illustrating its use in dividing portions in a formal or ceremonial context.

Herodotus (Histories, 5th century BCE): Herodotus employs the term to describe the allocation of resources or rewards, showing its application in historical and administrative contexts.

Aristotle (Politics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle uses ἀπονέμω in discussions about the distribution of goods or honors, highlighting its role in philosophical and political debates about fairness and justice.

4. Summary:

ἀπονέμω (aponémō) means “to distribute” or “to allot,” referring to the act of dividing or granting portions according to specific measures or judgments. It is used in various contexts to describe the allocation of resources, rewards, or shares. In classical Greek literature, the term appears in contexts related to formal distribution, administrative tasks, and philosophical discussions about justice. Understanding this term is crucial for grasping how distribution and allocation were conceptualized and managed in ancient Greek society.