NAS Word Usage – Total: 146

1. to send away
   1. to bid going away or depart
      1. of a husband divorcing his wife
   2. to send forth, yield up, to expire
   3. to let go, let alone, let be
      1. to disregard
      2. to leave, not to discuss now, (a topic) 1c
2. of teachers, writers and speakers
   1. 1. to omit, neglect
   2. to let go, give up a debt, forgive, to remit
   3. to give up, keep no longer
3. to permit, allow, not to hinder, to give up a thing to a person
4. to leave, go way from one
   1. in order to go to another place
   2. to depart from any one
   3. to depart from one and leave him to himself so that all mutual claims are abandoned
   4. to desert wrongfully
   5. to go away leaving something behind
   6. to leave one by not taking him as a companion
   7. to leave on dying, leave behind one
   8. to leave so that what is left may remain, leave remaining
   9. abandon, leave destitute

What is the significance of the Greek word Aphiemi in the New Testament?

The Greek word “Aphiemi” holds profound significance in the New Testament, appearing over 140 times in various contexts. Translated into English, “Aphiemi” carries multiple layers of meaning that are crucial to understanding the message of the Bible. So, what does “Aphiemi” mean in Greek in the context of the Bible?

In its simplest form, “Aphiemi” translates to “to forgive” or “to let go.” However, its implications extend beyond mere forgiveness. The word encompasses ideas of releasing, abandoning, and remitting. In the biblical context, “Aphiemi” often denotes the act of pardoning sins, both by God and by individuals towards one another.

One of the most poignant instances of “Aphiemi” in the New Testament is found in the Lord’s Prayer, where it is translated as “forgive” in the line “forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Here, the word captures the essence of grace and mercy, portraying forgiveness as a two-way street where one must forgive to be forgiven.

Moreover, “Aphiemi” is used to depict the concept of leaving behind or forsaking something. When Jesus tells his disciples to “leave everything and follow me,” the word “Aphiemi” is employed to denote a complete abandonment of worldly possessions and attachments in favor of spiritual growth and devotion.

In the context of healing, “Aphiemi” takes on a different shade of meaning. When Jesus says to a paralyzed man, “Your sins are forgiven,” the use of “Aphiemi” suggests not only the forgiveness of sins but also the lifting of burdens and the restoration of wholeness.

Moreover, the word is also used to describe the act of allowing something to happen or letting go of control. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Here, “Aphiemi” signifies surrendering to the divine will and relinquishing personal desires in obedience to God.

How is the concept of forgiveness conveyed through the term Aphiemi in the Bible?

The term “Aphiemi” holds significant biblical importance when it comes to the concept of forgiveness. In Greek, “Aphiemi” translates to “to forgive,” “to let go,” or “to release.” This word appears numerous times throughout the New Testament and is used in various contexts to convey the idea of forgiveness and letting go of wrongdoing.

One of the notable instances where “Aphiemi” is used to illustrate forgiveness is in Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of forgiveness. The passage states, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Here, “Aphiemi” emphasizes the act of letting go of resentment and granting forgiveness to others as a prerequisite for receiving forgiveness from God.

Another profound example of the concept of forgiveness through “Aphiemi” is found in Mark 2:5, where Jesus tells a paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” In this context, “Aphiemi” demonstrates the power of Christ to release individuals from their sins and offer them spiritual healing and reconciliation with God.

Furthermore, the parable of the unmerciful servant in Matthew 18:21-35 vividly illustrates the theme of forgiveness through the term “Aphiemi.” In this parable, a servant who was forgiven a significant debt by his master refuses to forgive a smaller debt owed to him by another servant. The master, upon learning of this, condemns the unforgiving servant, emphasizing the importance of extending forgiveness to others as we have been forgiven.

In what ways does the usage of Aphiemi reflect the theme of release or letting go in biblical contexts?

The Greek word “Aphiemi,” when seen in the context of the Bible, carries a profound meaning related to release, forgiveness, and letting go. This word is often used to signify the act of forgiving sins or releasing someone from their burdens and transgressions. Understanding the implications of “Aphiemi” in biblical contexts provides valuable insights into the theme of release and letting go in Christian teachings.

In its essence, “Aphiemi” means to leave behind, let go, release, or forgive. When used in the Bible, this word is often associated with the act of God forgiving sins and granting mercy to those who seek redemption. For example, in Matthew 6:12, the Lord’s Prayer includes the line “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,” where the word “forgive” is translated from “Aphiemi.”

Furthermore, the concept of release and letting go is emphasized in passages such as Mark 11:25, where it is stated, “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Here, the act of forgiving others is directly linked to receiving forgiveness from God, highlighting the importance of releasing grudges and letting go of past wrongs.

Additionally, the theme of release and forgiveness is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus declares, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” This proclamation underscores the transformative power of releasing others from their burdens and offering forgiveness as a path to spiritual liberation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Greek word “aphiemi” holds great significance in the context of the Bible. It goes beyond a mere translation of “forgive” or “to let go,” encompassing the concepts of releasing, allowing, and letting be. Understanding the depth of this word enriches our comprehension of various Biblical passages where it is used, shedding light on the forgiveness, grace, and freedom that God offers to his people. Delving into the origins and meanings of Greek Biblical words like “aphiemi” enhances our exploration of the rich tapestry of language and theology found within the pages of the Bible.