Brief Overview of ἐλεύθερος (Strong’s G1658: eleútheros)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words is crucial for grasping the full depth of New Testament teachings. The Greek word ἐλεύθερος (eleútheros) is particularly significant because it embodies the concept of freedom, a theme that resonates deeply in Christian theology and ancient Greek culture alike. Freedom, as expressed through ἐλεύθερος, is not merely the absence of physical bondage but also a state of spiritual liberation. This word captures the essence of the Christian experience of being set free from sin and law, while also reflecting the broader cultural and philosophical values of ancient Greece, where freedom was a cherished ideal in both personal and political life.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• ἐλεύθερος (eleútheros) [eh-LOO-theh-ros]

Etymology:

• Derived from the same root as ἐλευθερία (eleuthería), meaning “freedom” or “liberty.” The word ἐλεύθερος directly refers to someone who is free, as opposed to a slave.

Part of Speech:

• Adjective (First and second declension)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• Free, particularly in the sense of not being a slave or under any form of bondage.
• Freeborn, indicating someone who was born into a state of freedom as opposed to slavery.
• Spiritually free, referring to the condition of a person who has been liberated from the bondage of sin and the law through Christ.

Similar Words:

• δέσμιος (désmios) [DES-mee-os]: This word means “prisoner” or “captive,” directly contrasting with ἐλεύθερος. While ἐλεύθερος describes freedom, δέσμιος highlights the state of being bound or imprisoned.
• ἀπελεύθερος (apeleútheros) [ah-peh-LOO-theh-ros]: This term refers to a freedman, someone who was once a slave but has been granted freedom. It differs from ἐλεύθερος, which generally describes someone who has always been free.

Both ἐλεύθερος and ἀπελεύθερος pertain to the concept of freedom, but ἐλεύθερος is broader, encompassing all forms of freedom, whereas ἀπελεύθερος specifically refers to those who were once enslaved but have gained their freedom.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐλεύθερος is an adjective that follows the first and second declension patterns in Greek. It is frequently used in the New Testament to describe both physical and spiritual freedom, reflecting the Christian belief in liberation through Christ. Table: Declension of ἐλεύθερος (eleútheros) Case Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Neuter Singular Masculine Plural Feminine Plural Neuter Plural Nominative ἐλεύθερος ἐλευθέρα ἐλεύθερον ἐλεύθεροι ἐλεύθεραι ἐλεύθερα Genitive ἐλευθέρου ἐλευθέρας ἐλευθέρου ἐλευθέρων ἐλευθερῶν ἐλευθέρων Dative ἐλευθέρῳ ἐλευθέρᾳ ἐλευθέρῳ ἐλευθέροις ἐλευθέραις ἐλευθέροις Accusative ἐλεύθερον ἐλευθέραν ἐλεύθερον ἐλευθέρους ἐλευθέρας ἐλεύθερα Vocative ἐλεύθερε ἐλευθέρα ἐλεύθερον ἐλεύθεροι ἐλεύθεραι ἐλεύθερα

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG describes ἐλεύθερος as “free” or “freed,” with a focus on both physical freedom (as opposed to slavery) and spiritual freedom in the context of Christian salvation. It is often used to emphasize the contrast between the bondage of sin and the freedom that comes through Christ.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon defines ἐλεύθερος as “free,” highlighting its use in the New Testament to describe both physical freedom from slavery and the spiritual freedom believers have in Christ, particularly from the Mosaic Law and sin.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἐλεύθερος in the context of Christian liberty, noting that it refers to those who are free in Christ, liberated from the law and sin, and able to live in the freedom of the Spirit.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon outlines the broader classical usage of ἐλεύθερος, where it was commonly used to describe free citizens as opposed to slaves. It also carried connotations of political and personal autonomy, essential values in ancient Greek society.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐλεύθερος as “free,” with an emphasis on the distinction between those who are free and those who are enslaved, both physically and spiritually. It is a key term in discussions of Christian liberty in the New Testament.

Scripture References:

• John 8:36 – “So if the Son sets you free (ἐλεύθερος), you will be free indeed.”
• 1 Corinthians 7:22 – “For he who was called in the Lord as a slave is a freedman (ἐλεύθερος) of the Lord.”
• Galatians 5:1 – “For freedom (ἐλευθερίᾳ) Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐλεύθερος (G1658: eleútheros):

The Greek word ἐλεύθερος, meaning “free” or “freed,” is a powerful term in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. In the Bible, it is used to describe both the physical freedom of individuals and the spiritual freedom believers have in Christ. This word also resonates with the broader cultural value of freedom in ancient Greek society, where it was essential for personal autonomy and societal structure. Understanding ἐλεύθερος provides profound insights into both the theological dimensions of Christian liberty and the cultural ideals of freedom in the ancient world.

Did You Know?

The concept of ἐλεύθερος as freedom in the ancient Greek context extended beyond the absence of slavery. It also encompassed the idea of personal and political autonomy, reflecting the Greek ideal of living as a self-governing individual within a free state. This notion of freedom deeply influenced Western political thought, including the development of democratic principles.