Brief Overview of αὐθαίρετος (G830: authairetos)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: authairetos

Root Words: The Greek word αὐθαίρετος (authairetos) combines αὐτό (auto, meaning “self”) and αἱρέω (haireō, meaning “to choose” or “to take”). It signifies something or someone that is chosen by oneself or is self-determined.

Primary Meanings:

• Self-Willed: Describes someone who acts according to their own choice or will, without external influence.
• Self-Determined: Indicates a state of being determined by one’s own choice or volition.
• Arbitrary: Can imply actions or decisions made based on personal preference rather than external standards or authority.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines αὐθαίρετος as “self-willed” or “arbitrary.” It emphasizes the aspect of self-determination and personal choice in decision-making. The term often carries a connotation of making choices based on one’s own preferences, sometimes with a negative implication of disregard for others’ views or standard norms.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes αὐθαίρετος as “chosen by oneself” or “arbitrary,” focusing on the idea of acting according to one’s own will. It is used to describe actions or decisions made independently of external influences.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary defines αὐθαίρετος as “self-chosen” or “arbitrary,” stressing its usage in contexts where personal choice is made without regard to others or established procedures.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon explains αὐθαίρετος as indicating a self-chosen or arbitrary nature. It highlights the idea of making decisions or taking actions based on personal choice.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies αὐθαίρετος as “self-willed” or “arbitrary,” referring to actions or decisions taken according to one’s own preference.

Bible Verses:

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• 1 Timothy 3:2 (KJV): “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;”
• Here, while the specific term αὐθαίρετος is not used, the context reflects the idea of self-willed behavior being inappropriate for a bishop. The emphasis is on acting according to external standards and not being arbitrary.
• Titus 1:7 (KJV): “For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre;”
• In this context, the term self-willed relates to αὐθαίρετος, underscoring the importance of not being arbitrary or self-determined in leadership roles.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Aristotle: Aristotle discusses concepts similar to αὐθαίρετος when addressing actions that are driven by personal choice without regard for established norms or ethics.
• Plato: Plato uses terms that reflect the idea of self-determined actions in dialogues, often contrasting them with more considered or rational decisions.
• Demosthenes: In his orations, Demosthenes might address actions taken arbitrarily or based on personal will, aligning with the concept of αὐθαίρετος.

4. Summary:

αὐθαίρετος (authairetos) describes a characteristic of being self-willed or arbitrary, emphasizing actions or decisions made based on personal choice rather than external standards or influences. It conveys the idea of self-determination with potential negative implications, especially when it leads to disregarding established norms or other viewpoints. The term provides insight into how self-willed behavior is perceived in both historical and scriptural contexts, highlighting the importance of balance between personal choice and broader considerations.