The Greek adjective ἀνάπηρος (anapēros) means “infirm” or “feeble.” It is derived from the prefix ἀνά (ana), meaning “up” or “again,” and the root πηρός (pēros), meaning “crippled” or “lame.” The term generally describes a state of weakness or disability, often in the context of physical or health-related conditions.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνάπηρος (G376) is used in the New Testament to denote someone who is infirm or weak. For example, in Acts 4:9, it is used to describe a man who is “lame” or “crippled” in a literal sense, highlighting his physical incapacity.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides additional detail by noting that ἀνάπηρος conveys a state of being physically weak or incapacitated. It often appears in contexts where physical impairment or weakness is the focus, whether it be due to injury or illness.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon also offers a broader perspective on the term, describing it as referring to someone who is physically weak or unable to perform usual activities due to a condition of infirmity. This lexicon places ἀνάπηρος in a wider context of physical disabilities and weaknesses in ancient Greek literature.

In summary, ἀνάπηρος generally refers to a state of physical weakness or infirmity. This meaning is consistent across various sources, including Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing a nuanced understanding of its use in both biblical and classical Greek contexts.