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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies, as they often reveal layers of meaning that are essential for accurate interpretation. The term ὄναρ, which appears in Matthew 1:20, is particularly significant for its connection to dreams and divine communication. Dreams held an important place in ancient Greek culture and the biblical narrative, often serving as vehicles for divine messages or revelations. In exploring ὄναρ, we gain insight into how dreams were perceived in both the New Testament and the broader ancient world, highlighting their role in guiding human actions and decisions.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὄναρ (onar)

Pronunciation Guide: OH-nar

Etymology: The word ὄναρ is derived from the root verb ὀνειρεύομαι (oneireuomai), which means “to dream.” The root emphasizes the process of dreaming and the significance attached to the content of dreams in conveying messages or prophecies.

Part of Speech: Noun, neuter. As a neuter noun, ὄναρ refers specifically to the concept of a dream without gender distinctions, allowing for a more universal application in its usage.

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: A dream. This primary meaning refers directly to the phenomenon of dreaming, which can encompass both mundane dreams and those with significant meaning or prophetic value.

Meaning 2: A vision experienced during sleep. This highlights the potential for dreams to convey messages or insights from a divine source, elevating their importance in spiritual contexts.

Meaning 3: An aspiration or goal. In a more figurative sense, dreams can also refer to one’s hopes or ambitions, though this usage is less common in biblical texts.

Exploring Similar Words

ὄνειρος (oneiros) : This term also means “dream” but is often used in a more poetic or abstract context, emphasizing the ethereal nature of dreams compared to the more direct ὄναρ.

φαίνω (phaino) : Meaning “to bring to light” or “to reveal,” this verb can be associated with the realization of dreams or visions. While not a direct synonym, it connects to the idea of dreams revealing truths or insights.

ὀνειρεύομαι (oneireuomai) : This verb means “to dream” and is the root from which ὄναρ is derived. It emphasizes the action of dreaming, focusing more on the process rather than the result.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As a neuter noun, ὄναρ is used in various grammatical cases: nominative (ὄναρ), genitive (ὄναρος), dative (ὄναρι), and accusative (ὄναρ) in both singular and plural forms.

Declension: ὄναρ follows the second declension pattern for neuter nouns. Neuter nouns in this category typically retain the same form in nominative and accusative cases, simplifying their use in sentences.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In the New Testament, ὄναρ is closely associated with divine guidance, as seen in Matthew 1:20, where an angel appears to Joseph in a dream to instruct him regarding Mary and the child she carries. This occurrence highlights the significance of dreams as a medium for divine communication, emphasizing their role in shaping important decisions within the biblical narrative.

Theologically, the presence of ὄναρ in scripture suggests that dreams are not merely random thoughts during sleep but can be divinely ordained messages that provide guidance, comfort, or warnings. This perspective on dreams reflects a broader cultural belief in the supernatural significance of dreams, prevalent in both Greek and biblical traditions.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 1:20: “But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream [ὄναρ], saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.”

This verse illustrates the pivotal role of dreams in delivering divine messages that influence significant life choices.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text

Homer The Iliad “And he spoke to them in a dream [ὄναρ], urging them to prepare for battle.”

Plato The Republic “In dreams [ὄναρ], one might glimpse the truth of the soul’s nature.”

Aristotle On Dreams “Dreams [ὄναρ] are reflections of the waking mind, revealing hidden desires.”

Septuagint Genesis 20:3 “But God came to Abimelech in a dream [ὄναρ] by night and said to him…”

Septuagint Job 33:15 “In a dream [ὄναρ], in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men…”

Septuagint Daniel 2:19 “Then the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a dream [ὄναρ]…”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word ὄναρ is a significant term that refers to dreams, encapsulating their role as vehicles for divine communication in both the New Testament and classical literature. Its occurrence in Matthew 1:20 highlights the importance of dreams in guiding critical decisions and revealing divine will. By examining its meanings, morphology, and classical usages, we see how ὄναρ serves as a bridge between the realms of human experience and divine revelation, underscoring its relevance in both religious and cultural contexts.

Did You Know?

• The term ὄναρ emphasizes that dreams were often seen as significant messages from the divine, influencing critical decisions in biblical narratives.

• In ancient Greek culture, dreams were considered portals to understanding one’s future or receiving insights about personal dilemmas.

• The dual meaning of ὄναρ as both a dream and an aspiration reflects the universal human experience of dreaming, both in sleep and in pursuit of goals.