Brief Overview of ἀήρ (Strong’s G109: āēr)

ἀήρ (āēr) – G109:
The Greek word “ἀήρ” (āēr) translates to “air” in English. It is used to denote the atmosphere or the space above the ground. In the New Testament, “ἀήρ” often refers to the air or atmosphere in a general sense, without specific theological or metaphorical connotations.

Detailed Overview Incorporating Other Concordances

ἀήρ (āēr) – G109:

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• Meaning: Strong’s Concordance (G109) defines “ἀήρ” as “air” and provides its use in various contexts. It refers to the atmospheric air, and its primary sense is the physical air or atmosphere surrounding the earth.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Meaning: Thayer’s Lexicon elaborates that “ἀήρ” signifies “air” and is used to describe the air or the lower atmosphere in Greek. It notes that the term is employed in the New Testament to refer to the atmospheric air in a literal sense.

1. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words:

• Meaning: Vine’s Dictionary explains that “ἀήρ” is used in the New Testament to denote the “air” as opposed to the higher heavens or the firmament. The term is applied in a more literal sense rather than in symbolic or theological contexts.

1. BDAG Greek-English Lexicon:

• Meaning: BDAG identifies “ἀήρ” as “air,” specifying its usage in the New Testament to describe the lower atmosphere. It emphasizes that the term is used in contrast to the heavens or spiritual realms, focusing on the tangible air around us.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

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• Meaning: LSJ describes “ἀήρ” as referring to “air” in the general sense. The lexicon provides examples of its usage in classical and biblical texts, emphasizing its meaning as the breathable atmosphere.

Usage in the New Testament:

• Example: In John 3:8, “ἀήρ” is used metaphorically in the phrase “the wind blows where it wishes,” illustrating the unseen and unpredictable nature of the wind, which is likened to the working of the Spirit. This metaphorical usage, while related to the literal meaning of air, conveys deeper theological implications about the Spirit’s work.

Summary:
The Greek word “ἀήρ” (G109) translates to “air” and denotes the atmospheric air or lower atmosphere. According to Strong’s Concordance, Thayer’s Lexicon, Vine’s Dictionary, BDAG, and LSJ, “ἀήρ” is used primarily in a literal sense to describe the air surrounding the earth. In the New Testament, while it generally refers to the physical air, it can also be employed metaphorically to illustrate concepts such as the nature of the Spirit, as seen in John 3:8.