1. Overview

Βλητέος (Blētéos, pronounced blay-TEH-os) is a Greek adjective that conveys the meaning of something that “must be thrown” or “ought to be cast.” The word derives from the verb βάλλω (ballō), which means “to throw” or “to cast.” The formation of blētéos follows a common pattern in Greek, where adding the suffix -τέος to a verb stem creates an adjective indicating necessity or obligation related to the action of the verb. In this case, blētéos suggests that something is necessary or required to be thrown or cast away.

2. Detailed Description

In BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich), blētéos is presented as an adjective that appears infrequently in the New Testament and other Greek writings, with the primary meaning related to the act of throwing or casting. BDAG notes that this term is usually used in contexts where an action is required, particularly in metaphorical or figurative speech. For example, when discussing something that needs to be discarded or thrown away, blētéos might be used to emphasize the necessity of that action.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also discusses blētéos in a similar vein, highlighting its connection to the verb ballō and emphasizing the obligatory nature of the action. Thayer’s notes that blētéos might be used in imperative or instructional contexts, where a command or strong suggestion is being made about what should be done with an object or concept.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary mentions blētéos in the context of discussing Greek adjectives that convey necessity. Vine’s points out that this type of adjective is relatively rare in the New Testament, but when it does appear, it often carries significant weight in the surrounding text, indicating not just a suggestion but a requirement or obligation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists blētéos under G992 and provides a straightforward definition: “must be thrown” or “ought to be cast.” Strong’s emphasizes the word’s connection to actions that are seen as necessary or required, particularly in metaphorical or symbolic contexts.

3. Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Although blētéos is not as commonly found in classical Greek literature as some other adjectives, it does appear in certain contexts where necessity or obligation is emphasized. Here are three examples from ancient Greek literature:

1. Aristotle’s “Rhetoric”: Aristotle uses the adjective blētéos in discussing rhetorical strategies where certain arguments or points “must be cast aside” to strengthen the overall discourse. The term here underscores the necessity of discarding weaker or less relevant arguments.
2. Plato’s “Republic”: In discussions about the ideal state, blētéos might be used in metaphorical contexts to describe ideas or practices that should be discarded for the betterment of society. Plato’s use of the word would emphasize the philosophical necessity of removing certain elements from consideration.
3. Epictetus’ “Discourses”: As a Stoic philosopher, Epictetus uses blētéos when talking about attitudes or desires that must be cast away to achieve a virtuous life. The term here is tied to the Stoic practice of self-discipline and the rejection of unnecessary or harmful thoughts.

These examples illustrate that even though blētéos is not among the most frequently used words, it carries significant meaning in contexts where something must be discarded or thrown away, whether in physical, metaphorical, or philosophical terms.

4. Summary

Βλητέος (Blētéos) is a Greek adjective derived from the verb βάλλω (ballō), meaning “to throw” or “to cast.” The word suggests something that must or ought to be thrown away, and it carries a sense of obligation or necessity. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, Vine’s, and Strong’s all agree on this primary meaning, noting the word’s connection to actions that are required or necessary. Although blētéos appears infrequently in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, when it does, it often conveys a strong sense of necessity, especially in metaphorical or philosophical contexts. This word highlights the importance of discarding or rejecting what is unnecessary or harmful, making it a powerful term in both rhetorical and ethical discussions.