The Greek adjective ἀνεύθετος (aneuthētos) means “not free” or “not exempt.” It is derived from the prefix ἀν- (an-), meaning “not,” and the adjective εὐθής (euthēs), meaning “straight” or “easy.” Thus, the term generally conveys a sense of being bound, constrained, or lacking exemption from a certain obligation or condition.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνεύθετος (G428) appears in the New Testament in passages such as 1 Corinthians 7:37, where it is used to describe someone who is not “free” or “exempt” from certain responsibilities or constraints. In this context, it refers to a state where an individual is bound by duties or circumstances that prevent them from acting freely.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides a detailed definition of ἀνεύθετος as “not free” or “not exempt.” BDAG notes that the term is used in contexts where an individual is not released from certain obligations or is under constraints that prevent them from being completely free or unencumbered. It reflects a condition of being subject to duties or restrictions.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon supports this interpretation by describing ἀνεύθετος as “not free” or “under constraint.” LSJ indicates that the term is used in classical literature to describe individuals who are bound by certain conditions or restrictions, aligning with its use in biblical contexts to convey the lack of freedom or exemption.

In summary, ἀνεύθετος primarily means “not free” or “not exempt,” indicating a state of being bound by obligations or constraints. This meaning is consistently supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each providing context for its use in describing conditions of lack of freedom or exemption in both biblical and classical Greek literature.