Strong's Lexicon charaktér: Character, exact representation, express image Original Word: χαρακτήρ Word Origin: From the Greek verb χαράσσω (charassō), meaning "to engrave" or "to inscribe." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent to "charaktér," the concept of an image or likeness can be related to the Hebrew word צֶלֶם (tselem, Strong's H6754), which is used in Genesis 1:26 to describe humanity being made in the image of God. Usage: The term "charaktér" in the Greek language refers to an engraving tool or stamp, and by extension, the mark or impression made by such a tool. In the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to describe the exact representation or image of something, particularly in relation to the nature and essence of God as revealed in Jesus Christ. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "charaktér" was commonly used in the context of engraving and minting coins, where it denoted the precise image or likeness stamped onto a coin. This concept of an exact representation was significant in philosophical and theological discussions about the nature of divinity and the visible manifestation of the divine. In the context of the New Testament, it underscores the belief in Jesus Christ as the perfect and complete revelation of God the Father. HELPS Word-studies 5481 xaraktḗr – properly, an engraving; (figuratively) an exact impression (likeness) which also reflects inner character. [5481 /xaraktḗr was originally a tool (used for engraving) and then came to mean "a die" ("mould"). Finally it stood for a stamp or impress used on a coin or seal (see H, 368). In each case, the stamp conveyed the reality behind the image.] The Greek fathers ( NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as charagma Definition a tool for engraving NASB Translation exact representation (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5481: χαρακτήρχαρακτήρ, χαρακτηρος, ὁ (χαράσσω to engrave, cut into), from Aeschylus and Herodotus down; 1. properly, the instrument used in engraving or carving (cf. ζωστήρ, λαμπτήρ, λουτήρ, φυσητήρ; cf. our 'stamp' or 'die'). 2. the mark (figure or letters) stamped upon that instrument or wrought out on it; hence, universally, "a mark or figure burned in (Leviticus 13:28) or stamped on, an impression; the exact expression (the image) of any person or thing, marked likeness, precise reproduction in every respect" (cf. facsimile): χαρακτήρ τῆς ὑποστάσεως τοῦ Θεοῦ, of Christ, accusative to his nature as ὁ θεῖος λόγος, Hebrews 1:3; σφραγῖδι Θεοῦ, ἧς ὁ χαρακτήρ ἐστιν ὁ ἀΐδιος λόγος, Philo de plant. Noë § 5; χαρακτήρ θείας δυνάμεως, of the human mind, Philo, quod det. potiori ins. § 23; God τόν ἄνθρωπον ἔπλασεν τῆς ἑαυτοῦ ἐκονος χαρακτῆρα, Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 33, 4 [ET]; οἱ πιστοί ἐν ἀγάπη χαρακτῆρα Θεοῦ πατρός διά Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (ἔχουσιν), Ignatius ad Magnes. 5, 2 [ET]. the peculiarity, by which things are recognized and distinguished from each other (cf. English characteristic): 2 Macc. 4:10. From the same as charax; a graver (the tool or the person), i.e. (by implication) engraving (("character"), the figure stamped, i.e. An exact copy or (figuratively) representation) -- express image. see GREEK charax |
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