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Unveiling the Word

Understanding the Greek verb μονόω (monóō) is significant for interpreting passages in the New Testament, especially in relation to themes of isolation, loneliness, and spiritual reliance on God. In 1 Timothy 5:5, monóō is used to describe a widow who is left “alone” and, consequently, directs her hopes toward God. The cultural and spiritual implications of this word extend into how communities perceived and cared for the vulnerable. In Biblical times, being “alone” was not only a physical state but also held deep emotional and societal weight, making monóō a term with both literal and metaphorical significance.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: μονόω (monóō), pronounced mo-NO-oh

Etymology: Derived from μόνος (mónos), meaning “alone” or “single.” The verb form monóō implies the action of making someone or something alone or isolated.

Part of Speech: Verb. As a verb, monóō refers to the action of leaving someone in a state of solitude or loneliness.

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

Defining Meanings

1. To leave alone, to make solitary: This primary meaning emphasizes the action of being left without companionship or support. In its Biblical usage, it often implies someone being abandoned or without help, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:5, where the widow is left “alone” and must rely on her faith in God.

2. To isolate or set apart: In certain contexts, monóō can be understood as setting someone apart for a specific purpose, which can be either positive or negative, depending on the context. In the spiritual sense, being “alone” may lead to deeper reliance on God.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἔρημος (érēmos) [pronunciation: EH-ray-mos]: This word means “desolate” or “deserted” and refers to being in a deserted or abandoned place, whereas monóō focuses on the state of being left alone or isolated as a person.

2. χωρίζω (chōrízō) [pronunciation: cho-RID-zo]: This verb means “to separate” or “divide.” Unlike monóō, which implies being left alone, chōrízō emphasizes the act of separating two things or people from each other.

3. ἀπολιμπάνω (apolimbanō) [pronunciation: a-po-LIM-ban-oh]: This verb means “to abandon” or “to leave behind.” While apolimbanō focuses on the act of leaving, monóō focuses on the resultant state of being alone.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, monóō follows typical Greek verb conjugations, adjusting for tense, voice, and mood.

• Tense: Present, aorist, and perfect. In 1 Timothy 5:5, the present tense is used to describe an ongoing state of being alone.

• Voice: Active voice implies that someone is leaving another person alone, while the passive voice reflects someone being left alone.

• Mood: The indicative mood is used to describe real actions or states of being.

Person Singular Plural

1st μονόω μονόομεν

2nd μονόεις μονόετε

3rd μονόει μονόουσιν

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The verb monóō is understood primarily as a word describing the state of being abandoned or left alone, often in a vulnerable position. In 1 Timothy 5:5, the widow is described as having been left “alone,” implying both physical and emotional isolation. The theological implications extend into how the early Christian community was called to care for those in such states of loneliness, emphasizing the importance of communal support. Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s point out the relational and spiritual implications of this state, particularly when trust in God becomes paramount when one is left alone. Classical usage adds layers of meaning related to physical isolation, such as in contexts of exile or solitude.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. 1 Timothy 5:5 – “Now she who is a widow indeed, and left alone [μονώ], has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day.”

2. Psalm 25:16 (LXX) – “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am alone [μονώ] and afflicted.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Plato Republic “The man who is left alone [μονώ] after battle is seen as a hero.”

Herodotus Histories “The city was left solitary [μονώ] after the great exodus.”

Septuagint Genesis 2:18 “It is not good for the man to be alone [μονώ].”

Noteworthy Summary

The verb monóō offers a profound understanding of isolation and reliance on God in both New Testament and classical contexts. In 1 Timothy 5:5, it highlights the vulnerability of widows and others who have been left without familial or communal support. This word reminds readers of the importance of caring for those in need and trusting in God’s provision during times of solitude. While the word carries connotations of vulnerability, it also speaks to the spiritual growth that can come from being set apart or isolated, directing one’s hope toward God.

Did You Know?

1. The concept of being “left alone” (monóō) in ancient Greek often carried both physical and emotional implications, reflecting societal vulnerability.

2. In Greek literature, monóō is frequently used to describe exile, adding a sense of abandonment beyond the personal level.

3. In the New Testament, the state of being “left alone” is often transformed into an opportunity for deeper faith and reliance on God.