G869
1. Brief Overview:
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Transliteration: aphobōs
Root Words: Derived from a- (negation) and phobos (fear), literally meaning “without fear”.
Primary Meanings:
- Fearlessly or without fear.
- Used to describe actions or states free from intimidation or trepidation.
2. Detailed Description:
BDAG: Highlights its use to convey boldness and confidence, especially in the face of potential danger or opposition.
Thayer’s: Emphasizes its implication in moral courage, especially in ethical or religious contexts.
Vines: Discusses its application in Christian texts to denote bravery and unswerving faith.
LSJ: Considers its broader usage in classical Greek to denote a general state of fearlessness.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Aligns with BDAG, noting its frequent biblical association with courageous proclamation of faith.
Bible Verses:
- Acts 28:31: “Proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance.”
- Philippians 1:14: “Most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.”
3. Classic Greek Literature:
Usage in Classic Greek Literature:
- Plato’s Dialogues: Often used to describe the ideal philosopher who speaks truth without fear of consequence.
- Thucydides’ Histories: Describes military leaders who acted without fear in crucial battles.
- Aristophanes’ Plays: Used to characterize characters who challenge societal norms with boldness.
4. Summary:
ἀφόβως (aphobōs) captures the quality of fearlessness, essential both in classical and biblical narratives to portray characters with notable bravery and moral fortitude. It enriches texts by providing a stark contrast to contexts of fear and intimidation, offering a nuanced understanding of courage and bold action. This word’s study through various lexicons like BDAG and Thayers provides a deeper insight into its significant role in portraying undaunted confidence and spiritual bravery in religious and philosophical discourse.