Brief Overview of Δαπάνη (G1160: Dapánē)

Dapánē (pronounced da-PAH-nay, δαπάνη) is a Greek noun found under Strong’s Concordance number G1160. The word Dapánē refers to “cost,” “expense,” or “expenditure.” It is derived from the verb δαπανάω (dapanáō), which means “to spend” or “to expend.” Dapánē is typically used in contexts related to the expenditure of money, resources, or effort, often with the implication of significant or necessary spending. The term encompasses a broad range of meanings related to the costs associated with various activities, whether financial, physical, or otherwise.

In its primary usage, Dapánē refers to the concept of expense or cost, highlighting the resources required to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. The word can apply to both literal financial costs and more abstract expenditures, such as the effort or sacrifices involved in a particular endeavor. In the New Testament, Dapánē is used in passages that discuss the practical aspects of financial management, as well as the broader implications of spending one’s resources wisely.

Scripture References

1. Luke 14:28: “For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost (δαπάνην, dapánēn), whether he has enough to complete it?” This verse uses Dapánē to emphasize the importance of careful planning and consideration of the expenses involved in any significant undertaking.
2. 2 Corinthians 11:9: “And when I was with you and was in need, I did not burden anyone, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my need. So I refrained and will refrain from burdening you in any way.” Although Dapánē is not directly mentioned here, the context involves the financial support provided to Paul, implying the costs associated with his ministry.
3. Luke 10:35: “And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend (δαπανήσῃς, dapanēsēs), I will repay you when I come back.’” While Dapánē is not directly used, the verse illustrates the concept of covering expenses, which is central to the meaning of the term.

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Dapánē is defined as “cost” or “expense,” emphasizing its use in contexts where financial resources or efforts are required to achieve a particular objective. BDAG highlights that Dapánē can refer to both necessary and voluntary expenditures, depending on the context. The lexicon also notes that the term is often used in discussions about the practicalities of life, such as budgeting, planning, and the management of resources.

Thayer’s Lexicon describes Dapánē as “expense” or “cost,” focusing on the noun’s connection to the act of spending. Thayer’s points out that Dapánē can be used in both positive and negative senses, depending on whether the expenditure is seen as worthwhile or wasteful. The lexicon emphasizes that in the New Testament, Dapánē is often associated with teachings about stewardship, responsibility, and the wise use of resources.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon provides a broader context for Dapánē, noting its use in classical Greek literature to describe the costs associated with various activities, from personal spending to public works. LSJ highlights that Dapánē could refer to both financial expenses and the broader concept of expenditure, including the effort or energy expended in an endeavor. The lexicon also discusses the metaphorical use of Dapánē, where it can symbolize the sacrifices or investments made in pursuit of a goal.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance lists Dapánē as “cost” or “expense,” focusing on its use in contexts that involve the expenditure of resources. The concordance highlights the term’s relevance in biblical teachings about planning, budgeting, and the careful management of one’s resources, whether financial, physical, or spiritual.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

Dapánē appears in various classical Greek texts, often in contexts related to financial management, public spending, and personal expenditures.

1. Herodotus in his “Histories” uses Dapánē to describe the costs incurred by rulers and states in the course of wars and public projects, emphasizing the significant resources required for such endeavors.
2. Xenophon in his work “Oeconomicus” uses Dapánē to discuss the management of household expenses, highlighting the importance of prudent spending in maintaining economic stability and ensuring the well-being of the family.
3. Plutarch in his “Lives” refers to Dapánē in the context of public expenditures by famous leaders, discussing the balance between necessary spending for the common good and the risks of excessive or wasteful expenditures.

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Summary

Dapánē (pronounced da-PAH-nay, δαπάνη) is a Greek noun meaning “cost” or “expense,” derived from the verb δαπανάω (dapanáō), which means “to spend.” The term is used to describe the resources required to accomplish a task or achieve a goal, whether those resources are financial, physical, or otherwise. In the New Testament, Dapánē is associated with teachings about careful planning, responsible stewardship, and the wise management of one’s resources. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ emphasize the importance of Dapánē in conveying the practical and ethical considerations involved in expenditure, both in personal and public contexts. In classical Greek literature, Dapánē is frequently mentioned in discussions of financial management, public spending, and the broader implications of resource expenditure, reflecting its relevance in both everyday life and philosophical thought. The term underscores the universal human experience of managing costs and the ethical considerations that accompany the use of resources.