Brief Overview of ἄροτρον (G723: árotron)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: árotron

Root Words:

• ἄροτρον (árotron): This noun is related to the root word ἀρότηρ (arōtēr), meaning “ploughman” or “farmer.” The term reflects objects associated with agriculture.

Primary Meanings:

• Plough: The primary meaning of ἄροτρον is “plough,” referring to the agricultural tool used for turning over soil.
• Agricultural Tool: It denotes the implement used for breaking up and preparing the soil for planting crops.
• Figurative Use: In a figurative sense, it can symbolize preparation or work involved in a process, often used metaphorically in literature and biblical texts.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄροτρον as “a plough,” noting its use as an agricultural tool for soil cultivation. It emphasizes the term’s application in practical farming contexts and its occasional metaphorical use.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἄροτρον as “a plough,” specifying its function as an instrument for turning the soil. The definition focuses on its literal agricultural meaning.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary explains ἄροτρον as “plough,” highlighting its role in farming and its symbolic usage in literature to denote preparation or effort.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon identifies ἄροτρον as “a plough,” providing details on its use in classical Greek for agricultural purposes.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἄροτρον as “a plough,” used in contexts related to farming and preparation.

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Bible Verses:

• Luke 9:62 (KJV): “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
• Here, ἄροτρον is used metaphorically to describe the commitment required for following Jesus, comparing it to the act of ploughing.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classic Greek literature, ἄροτρον is primarily used to describe agricultural tools:

• Homer’s Odyssey (circa 8th century BC): Mentions the plough as part of agricultural activities.
• Xenophon’s Oeconomicus (circa 4th century BC): Includes references to farming tools and practices, including the plough.
• Aristotle’s Agriculture (circa 4th century BC): Describes the use of the plough in soil preparation and crop cultivation.

4. Summary:

ἄροτρον (G723: árotron) refers to a “plough” or agricultural tool used for turning over soil. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all affirm its primary meaning and use in farming contexts. Classic Greek literature illustrates its practical application and symbolic uses. The term reflects both its literal role in agriculture and its metaphorical significance in various texts.