Brief Overview of ἀνήρ (Strong’s G435:)

The Greek noun ἀνήρ (anēr) primarily means “man” or “husband.” It denotes an adult male human and can also be used in various contexts to refer to a man in relation to his role or status, particularly as a husband. The term can imply strength, authority, or responsibility, depending on the context in which it is used.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνήρ (G435) is a common term in Greek that generally refers to “man” or “husband.” It is used in various contexts to describe adult males and their roles, including familial and social responsibilities. The term is versatile, often reflecting the status or character of a man in different situations.

The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides a more comprehensive analysis. BDAG defines ἀνήρ as “man,” with specific connotations based on context, such as “husband” when referring to marital relationships. The lexicon also notes that the term can indicate qualities like strength and maturity, reflecting the social and personal roles attributed to men in ancient Greek culture.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon supports this interpretation, describing ἀνήρ as “man” or “husband.” LSJ further emphasizes the term’s use to denote an adult male in various contexts, including familial roles and social positions. The lexicon provides examples of how ἀνήρ is used to convey different aspects of manhood, from personal attributes to relational roles.

In summary, ἀνήρ refers to an adult male, often translated as “man” or “husband,” with implications of strength, responsibility, and social role. This understanding is supported by Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, each offering insight into the term’s usage in classical and biblical Greek contexts.