Brief Overview of ἀνίημι (Strong’s G447:)

The Greek word ἀνίημι (aniēmi) is a verb that generally means “to send away” or “to let go.” It can imply the act of releasing, forgiving, or relaxing constraints. In various contexts, it can refer to the act of freeing someone from an obligation or releasing them from a burden.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀνίημι (G447) as “to send away” or “to let go.” This definition encompasses its primary meanings of releasing or allowing something to be free. The term is used in contexts involving the forgiveness of sins or the act of letting something go.
2. Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon: BDAG provides a more nuanced explanation, noting that ἀνίημι means “to let go,” “to release,” or “to forgive.” It is used to describe the action of releasing someone from a debt or obligation, or forgiving someone from a moral or spiritual burden. BDAG also highlights that this verb is often used in the context of forgiveness and the relaxation of rules or constraints.
3. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon: LSJ provides a similar definition, describing ἀνίημι as “to let go,” “to release,” or “to send away.” The lexicon notes its use in various contexts, including the act of setting someone free from a physical or metaphorical burden.
4. Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon: Thayer’s elaborates on ἀνίημι by emphasizing its use in the context of forgiveness and the release of burdens. Thayer’s explains that it can mean “to send away” in a general sense, but often carries the connotation of releasing someone from a debt or forgiving them, reflecting its use in both legal and spiritual contexts.

In summary, ἀνίημι refers to the act of “letting go,” “releasing,” or “forgiving.” This verb is used to describe the action of freeing someone from obligations, burdens, or debts. Its definitions are consistently supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, LSJ, and Thayer’s, reflecting its significance in various contexts of release and forgiveness.