Brief Overview of ἀποστεγάζω (G648: Apostegázō)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Apostegázō

Root Words: The term ἀποστεγάζω (apostegázō) is derived from ἀπό (apó), meaning “from” or “away,” and στέγη (stégē), meaning “roof” or “shelter.”

Primary Meanings:

• To cover or shelter from above, often in the sense of providing protection or shielding.
• To withdraw or remove a covering or protection.
• In a more specific sense, it can mean to remove the roof from a building.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich): BDAG defines ἀποστεγάζω as “to remove a roof,” emphasizing its use in the context of taking off or withdrawing a cover or protection, specifically a roof. It also implies the broader concept of removing or exposing what was previously covered or protected.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀποστεγάζω as “to uncover,” focusing on the act of removing a cover or shelter, particularly in relation to buildings or structures.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights that ἀποστεγάζω means “to strip off,” specifically referring to the act of removing a roof or covering, and by extension, to expose something that was previously covered.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ defines ἀποστεγάζω as “to uncover,” primarily used in the context of taking off a roof or removing a shelter, with implications for exposing what was hidden or protected.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀποστεγάζω as “to uncover” or “to strip off,” emphasizing its use in the context of removing a cover or roof.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

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Xenophon (Hellenica, 4th century BCE): Xenophon uses ἀποστεγάζω in the context of military or structural descriptions, referring to the act of removing a roof from a building.

Aristotle (Nicomachean Ethics, 4th century BCE): Aristotle uses the term to describe the act of removing a covering or shelter, particularly in discussions of structural elements and protection.

Demosthenes (Orations, 4th century BCE): Demosthenes references ἀποστεγάζω in legal or procedural contexts, illustrating its use in describing the removal of physical coverings or protection.

4. Summary:

ἀποστεγάζω (apostegázō) means “to uncover” or “to remove a roof,” with primary use in the context of taking off a cover or shelter, particularly a roof. It implies exposing what was previously hidden or protected. Classic Greek literature provides examples of its use in structural and legal contexts, illustrating its application in removing physical coverings. Understanding ἀποστεγάζω offers insight into the practical aspects of uncovering or exposing in ancient Greek society and texts.