ἄρρωστος

Pronounced: ar-RO-stos

Whether you’re looking for a brief overview or want to learn the ancient language, this study uses the U.N.D.E.R.S.T.A.N.D Framework for both goals.

U – Unveiling the Word

The Greek word ἄρρωστος (arrhostos) translates to “sick” or “ill.” It is often used in the context of physical ailments or health issues, reflecting a state of being unwell. This term has a significant role in the New Testament, particularly in the teachings and actions of Jesus, who healed the sick and emphasized compassion toward those who suffered. Its use in biblical texts highlights the importance of health, both physically and spiritually, and underscores the transformative power of faith and divine intervention in healing.

N – Necessary Information

Greek Word: ἄρρωστος, pronounced [ar-RO-stos].

Etymology: The term ἄρρωστος derives from the prefix ἀ- (a-), meaning “not” or “without,” combined with the root ῥῶστος (rhostos), related to health or soundness. Thus, it literally means “not healthy” or “without health.”

Part of Speech: ἄρρωστος is an adjective used to describe a state of illness or sickness. It may also function in different grammatical contexts depending on its use in a sentence.

D – Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: “Sick” – This is the primary meaning, indicating a physical illness or disease affecting an individual.

Meaning 2: “Unwell” – This broader meaning encompasses various states of discomfort or health issues, not necessarily confined to severe illness.

Meaning 3: “Infirm” – This meaning emphasizes weakness or frailty, often used in contexts where health deterioration is noted.

E – Exploring Similar Words

ἀσθένεια (astheneia) [as-the-NEE-ah]: This term means “infirmity” or “weakness” and often refers to chronic illnesses or disabilities. While ἄρρωστος focuses on the state of being sick, ἀσθένεια implies a more enduring condition.

νοῦσος (nousos) [NOO-sos]: Meaning “disease” or “malady,” this term refers specifically to illnesses. It is often used to describe specific ailments, while ἄρρωστος describes the overall condition of being sick.

ἰατρός (iatros) [ee-AT-ros]: This word means “physician” or “doctor.” While ἄρρωστος describes the state of the patient, ἰατρός refers to the one who treats the sickness.

R – Reviewing Morphology:

Case, Number, Gender: As an adjective, ἄρρωστος can be declined according to gender (masculine, feminine, neuter), number (singular, plural), and case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative).

Declension: ἄρρωστος follows the patterns of the second declension for masculine forms. For example:

• Nominative Singular: ἄρρωστος (masculine), ἄρρωστη (feminine), ἄρρωστον (neuter).

• Nominative Plural: ἄρρωστοι (masculine), ἄρρωστες (feminine), ἄρρωστα (neuter).

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S – Studying Lexicon Insights:

The term ἄρρωστος is significant in both classical and biblical Greek. In the New Testament, it often appears in passages where Jesus heals the sick, illustrating his compassion and power over physical ailments. Lexicons emphasize its use in conjunction with themes of faith and healing, suggesting that being sick is not merely a physical state but also an opportunity for spiritual renewal and divine interaction. The term also raises discussions about the nature of health and illness within the context of faith, hope, and healing.

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

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Matthew 14:14: “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick [ἄρρωστος].”

Luke 4:40: “At sunset, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of illnesses [ἄρρωστος]; and laying his hands on each one, he healed them.”

James 5:14: “Is anyone among you sick [ἄρρωστος]? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”

A– Analyzing Classical Usage:

Author	Work	Text
Hippocrates	Airs, Waters, Places:	“The study of the environment is crucial for understanding why individuals become ἄρρωστος in certain locales.”
Galen	On the Natural Faculties:	“The balance of humors affects the health of a person, leading to states of ἄρρωστος if not maintained.”
Plato	Timaeus:	“The body’s harmony can be disrupted, resulting in ἄρρωστος conditions.”
Septuagint (LXX)	Exodus 15:26:	“He said, ‘If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases [ἄρρωστος] I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.’”
Septuagint (LXX)	Deuteronomy 7:15:	“The Lord will keep you free from every disease [ἄρρωστος] and will not inflict on you the horrible diseases you knew in Egypt, but he will inflict them on all who hate you.”
Septuagint (LXX)	Jeremiah 30:17:	“But I will restore you to health [ἄρρωστος] and heal your wounds, declares the Lord, because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word ἄρρωστος plays a crucial role in biblical texts, especially in the context of Jesus’ healing ministry. It encapsulates the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of sickness and emphasizes the transformative potential of faith and healing.

D – Did You Know?

1. ἄρρωστος is often associated with the compassion Jesus shows toward those suffering from various ailments.

2. The concept of health in biblical texts includes not only physical well-being but also emotional and spiritual wholeness.

3. Understanding ἄρρωστος can enhance the study of faith, healing, and the human condition in biblical literature.

Strong’s G732: ἄρρωστος (arrhostos) translates to “sick” or “ill,” highlighting the state of being unwell and the opportunity for divine healing and restoration.