Brief Overview of ἀσθένημα (G771: asthēnēma)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: asthēnēma

Root Words:

• ἀσθένημα is derived from ἀσθένεια (astheneia), meaning “weakness” or “infirmity,” which in turn comes from the root ἀσθενής (asthenēs), meaning “weak” or “sick.”

Primary Meanings:

• Infirmity: The term primarily means “infirmity” or “weakness,” specifically referring to a physical or moral state of weakness or sickness.
• Sickness: It can denote a state of being sick or having a physical ailment.
• Feebleness: Used more broadly to describe any form of feebleness or frailty.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀσθένημα as referring to a physical condition of weakness or illness. It highlights the term’s use to indicate both specific ailments and a general state of feebleness.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀσθένημα as “infirmity,” referring to physical or moral weakness. It provides examples of its use in various biblical contexts.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary defines ἀσθένημα similarly, focusing on its meaning of “infirmity” or “weakness,” applicable to both physical and metaphorical states.

LSJ: LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones) describes ἀσθένημα as “a state of weakness or illness,” emphasizing its use to denote physical ailments and general frailty.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀσθένημα as “infirmity” or “sickness,” referring to conditions of physical or moral weakness.

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Bible Verses:

• Matthew 8:17 (KJV): “That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”
• Here, ἀσθένημα is used to denote physical ailments.
• Luke 13:11 (KJV): “And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.”
• In this context, ἀσθένημα describes a severe physical condition.
• Romans 8:26 (KJV): “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
• The term ἀσθένημα is used metaphorically to describe spiritual weakness or limitations.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Hippocrates’ On the Epidemics: Uses terms related to ἀσθένημα to describe various illnesses and conditions of weakness in medical contexts.
• Aristotle’s On the Parts of Animals: Mentions physical weaknesses and conditions that align with the meanings of ἀσθένημα.
• Plato’s Phaedo: Discusses states of weakness and frailty, reflecting the broader use of ἀσθένημα in philosophical contexts.

4. Summary:

ἀσθένημα (G771: asthēnēma) refers to states of weakness, infirmity, or sickness, encompassing both physical ailments and broader forms of frailty. The term is used in biblical texts to describe various conditions of weakness, including specific illnesses and general feebleness. Its use in classic Greek literature underscores its application to both medical and philosophical contexts, illustrating a range of meanings from physical sickness to moral and spiritual weakness.