G3784

Unveiling the Word

The Greek verb ὀφείλω (opheílō) primarily translates as “to owe” or “to be under obligation.” It is often used in contexts relating to debts—financial or moral. This term emphasizes the sense of duty or responsibility to repay or fulfill obligations, resonating deeply in both legal and ethical spheres. In Matthew 18:28, the word is used in a parable about forgiveness, where it highlights the moral duty individuals have to one another in relation to their debts, thereby framing the broader theme of mercy and forgiveness in Christian teaching. Understanding ὀφείλω provides insights into how obligations influence interpersonal relationships and the significance of grace in overcoming them.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀφείλω (opheílō), pronounced [o-fay-LOH].

Etymology: The word derives from the noun ὀφείλημα (opheílēma), which means “debt.” Both words share a common root that centers around the concept of owing something, whether that be a tangible debt or an intangible moral obligation.

Part of Speech: Verb.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

To Owe: The primary meaning of ὀφείλω denotes a financial obligation, where a person is required to repay a certain amount of money to another.

To Be Obligated: In a broader sense, it signifies moral or ethical obligations, reflecting responsibilities individuals have towards others beyond just financial debts.

To Be Under Obligation: This meaning encompasses a sense of duty in various contexts, including social contracts and spiritual responsibilities, reinforcing the notion of accountability in relationships.

Exploring Similar Words

ὀφείλημα (opheílēma) [o-fay-LEE-ma]: This noun means “debt” and is often used in the context of the actual amount owed, whereas ὀφείλω focuses on the act of owing.

χρέος (chreos) [KHREH-ohs]: Meaning “debt” or “obligation,” this word emphasizes the nature of the debt itself, differentiating it from ὀφείλω by focusing on the requirement to pay.

ἀναγκάζω (anankázo) [a-nan-KAH-zoh]: This verb means “to compel” or “to force,” highlighting a different aspect of obligation that may not involve a direct financial relationship.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: ὀφείλω is primarily used in the present tense, indicative mood, and active voice, indicating ongoing action.

Person and Number: The verb can be conjugated in different persons and numbers. For example, in the first person singular, it would be “ὀφείλω” (I owe), and in the third person plural, it becomes “ὀφείλουσιν” (they owe).

Aspect: The verb conveys an imperfective aspect, focusing on the action of owing as an ongoing or habitual state rather than a completed act.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Insights from various lexicons indicate that ὀφείλω encapsulates a wide range of obligations, both financial and moral. In New Testament contexts, it underscores the ethical dimensions of human interactions, emphasizing that one’s duty to repay extends beyond mere financial transactions to include moral accountability. The use of ὀφείλω in biblical texts often highlights the importance of forgiveness, positioning the act of repaying or forgiving debts as central to Christian ethical teaching. The term also resonates in classical literature, where obligations and debts form the backbone of societal interactions.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 18:28: “But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe!’ [ὀφείλεις]”

Matthew 6:12: “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. [ὀφείλημα]”

Romans 13:7: “Pay to all what is owed to them: taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is owed, honor to whom honor is owed. [ὀφείλετε]”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature, the term ὀφείλω is frequently used to discuss obligations and debts, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling one’s responsibilities.

Example 1: Plato, The Republic: “To owe a debt [ὀφείλω] is to be in a state of moral obligation, wherein one must fulfill their promise to maintain harmony.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “Justice demands that we repay what we owe [ὀφείλω], as failing to do so undermines the fabric of society.”

Example 3: Sophocles, Antigone: “One must never forget their debts [ὀφείλω] to the gods, for such obligations are sacred.”

Septuagint Example 1: Exodus 22:14: “If a man borrows anything of his neighbor, and it is injured or dies, the owner not being with it, he shall surely make it good. [ὀφείλει]”

Septuagint Example 2: Proverbs 22:7: “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender. [ὀφείλει]”

Septuagint Example 3: Ezekiel 18:7: “He does not lend at interest or take any profit; he withholds his hand from iniquity and executes true justice between man and man. [ὀφείλει]”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek verb ὀφείλω conveys the idea of owing or being obligated to repay debts. Its application in biblical contexts emphasizes the moral implications of our responsibilities to others, especially in the realms of forgiveness and ethical conduct.

Did You Know?

1. ὀφείλω is often featured in discussions about forgiveness, highlighting the moral duty to forgive debts owed to us as part of Christian teachings.

2. The concept of owing in biblical terms is not just about financial transactions but also involves ethical responsibilities, such as honoring commitments and relationships.

3. In the New Testament, the frequent use of ὀφείλω underscores the importance of community and interpersonal relationships, reflecting the interconnectedness of human obligations.

Strong’s G3784: ὀφείλω (opheílō) translates as “to owe,” emphasizing the responsibilities inherent in relationships and the moral imperative to repay or forgive debts.