Brief Overview of ἀρνέομαι (G720: arneomai)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: arneomai

Root Words:

• ἀρνέομαι (arneomai): This verb comes from the root ἀρνέομαι (arneomai), which means “to deny” or “to refuse.”

Primary Meanings:

• To Deny or Refuse: The main meaning of ἀρνέομαι is to deny or refuse something. This denial can be in various contexts, such as rejecting a fact, a statement, or an invitation.
• To Disown: It can also imply disowning or renouncing something, such as a claim, belief, or association.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀρνέομαι as “to deny,” with a particular emphasis on the denial of something that is asserted or expected. This can include denying personal involvement or denying a truth or statement.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀρνέομαι as “to deny, refuse, disown,” often used in contexts where someone denies an assertion or claim or renounces something.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes that ἀρνέομαι means “to deny, refuse, or disown,” emphasizing its use in contexts where something is rejected or denied.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon also defines ἀρνέομαι as “to deny” or “to refuse,” focusing on its use in rejecting or disowning something.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἀρνέομαι as “to deny,” particularly in the sense of denying or refusing a claim or association.

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Bible Verses:

• Matthew 10:33 (KJV): “But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.”
• This verse uses ἀρνέομαι to describe the act of denying or disowning Jesus before others.
• Luke 22:34 (KJV): “And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before that thou shalt thrice deny that thou knowest me.”
• Here, ἀρνέομαι refers to Peter’s denial of knowing Jesus.
• Titus 1:16 (KJV): “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.”
• In this verse, ἀρνέομαι is used to describe the denial of God through one’s actions.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἀρνέομαι is used to describe acts of denial or refusal:

• Herodotus’ Histories (circa 5th century BC): The term appears in contexts where individuals or groups deny or refuse certain claims or actions.
• Plato’s Dialogues (circa 4th century BC): The word is used in philosophical discussions to describe the denial or refusal of certain propositions or beliefs.
• Aristotle’s Rhetoric (circa 4th century BC): Aristotle uses the term in discussions of argumentation to describe the act of denying statements or accusations.

4. Summary:

ἀρνέομαι (G720: arneomai) primarily means “to deny” or “to refuse,” derived from the root concept of rejection or disowning. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all emphasize its use in contexts where something is denied or refused, whether it be an assertion, claim, or association. Biblical usage highlights its application in denying Jesus or renouncing God, with classical Greek literature illustrating its broader use in denial or refusal contexts.