Brief Overview of ἀρήν (G704: arēn)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: arēn

Root Words:

• ἀρήν (arēn): The word is derived from the Greek root associated with male animals, particularly in reference to sheep or lambs.

Primary Meanings:

• Ram: ἀρήν specifically refers to a ram, a male sheep.
• Male Sheep: In a broader sense, it can denote a male sheep in general.
• Lamb: While it primarily refers to a ram, it can sometimes be used in contexts where lambs are implied, especially in sacrificial settings.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀρήν as “ram,” highlighting its use in agricultural and sacrificial contexts where male sheep are involved. The term is used to denote the male of sheep in various references.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon also identifies ἀρήν as “ram,” focusing on its application in agricultural and sacrificial contexts.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary describes ἀρήν as “ram,” emphasizing its role in sacrificial practices and as a significant animal in pastoral life.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀρήν as “ram,” with references to its use in both everyday life and ceremonial contexts.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s lists ἀρήν as “ram,” pointing to its specific use in referring to a male sheep.

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Bible Verses:

• Genesis 22:13 (KJV): “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son.”
• Here, “ram” corresponds to ἀρήν, used in the context of a sacrificial offering.
• Exodus 12:5 (KJV): “Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:”
• While this verse primarily refers to lambs, the term ἀρήν would be applicable in discussions about male sheep in sacrificial contexts.
• Leviticus 8:22 (KJV): “And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and his sons laid their hands upon the head of the ram.”
• The term “ram” here reflects the use of ἀρήν in ceremonial and sacrificial practices.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἀρήν appears in various contexts:

• Homer: In the “Iliad,” Homer refers to rams in agricultural and sacrificial contexts, often highlighting their significance in pastoral life.
• Aristotle: In his works, Aristotle discusses rams in the context of animal husbandry and sacrificial practices, noting their importance in ancient Greek society.
• Euripides: Euripides includes references to rams in his tragedies, reflecting their role in sacrificial rituals and agricultural life.

4. Summary:

The term ἀρήν (G704: arēn) refers specifically to a “ram” or male sheep. It is used primarily in agricultural and sacrificial contexts, reflecting its role in ancient Greek pastoral life and religious practices. BDAG and other lexicons agree on its meaning, focusing on its use as a male sheep in various settings. Classic Greek literature also highlights its importance in daily life and sacrificial rituals, underscoring its role in ancient Greek culture.