Brief Overview of ἀπορφανίζω (G642: Aporphanízō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Aporphanízō

Root Words: The word ἀπορφανίζω (aporphanízō) is derived from the prefix ἀπό (apó), meaning “away” or “from,” and ὀρφανίζω (orphanízō), which is related to ὀρφανός (orphanos), meaning “orphan.” Thus, ἀπορφανίζω combines these meanings to convey the action of “making someone an orphan” or “depriving of parental support.”

Primary Meanings:

• To make someone an orphan.
• To deprive someone of parental care or support.
• To cause someone to lose their parents or guardians.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀπορφανίζω as “to make someone an orphan,” highlighting its usage in contexts where a person is deprived of their parents or guardians, resulting in orphanhood.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀπορφανίζω as “to make one an orphan,” emphasizing the act of causing someone to lose their parents, thus becoming an orphan.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary refers to ἀπορφανίζω as “to make an orphan,” focusing on the sense of depriving someone of their parental support.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀπορφανίζω as “to render someone an orphan,” indicating the act of causing someone to be without parental care.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s describes ἀπορφανίζω as “to make one an orphan,” which aligns with the notion of removing or causing the loss of parental support.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Xenophon (Anabasis, 4th century BCE): Xenophon uses ἀπορφανίζω to describe situations where soldiers or individuals are deprived of their leaders or guardians, leading to a state of helplessness similar to orphanhood.

Plato (Laws, 4th century BCE): In his discussions about the care of children and orphans, Plato uses ἀπορφανίζω to refer to the act of leaving children without parental guidance or support.

Aristotle (Politics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle employs ἀπορφανίζω in the context of social and legal discussions about the status and support of orphans within the society.

4. Summary:

ἀπορφανίζω (aporphanízō) means “to make someone an orphan” or “to deprive someone of parental support.” This term is used to describe the act of causing a person to lose their parents or guardians, thereby becoming an orphan. In classical Greek literature, it reflects situations where individuals are left without parental care or support. Understanding ἀπορφανίζω provides insight into the Greek concept of orphanhood and the societal implications of parental loss.