Lexical Summary asótia: Dissipation, debauchery, profligacy, reckless living Original Word: ἀσωτία Strong's Exhaustive Concordance excess, debaucheryFrom a compound of a (as a negative particle) and a presumed derivative of sozo; properly, unsavedness, i.e. (by implication) profligacy -- excess, riot. see GREEK a see GREEK sozo HELPS Word-studies 810 asōtía (from 1 /A "without" and 4982 /sṓzō, "save") – properly, what can't be saved (waste); (figuratively) prodigality, spiritual wastefulness due to excessive behavior and the dire consequences it brings. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and sózó Definition unsavedness, i.e. wastefulness NASB Translation dissipation (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 810: ἀσωτίαἀσωτία, ἀσωτίας, ἡ (the character of an ἄσωτος, i. e. of an abandoned man, one that cannot be saved, from σαόω, σόω equivalent to σῴζω (ἄσωτος, Curtius, § 570); hence, properly, incorrigibleness), an abandoned, dissolute, life; profligacy, prodigality (R. V. riot]: Ephesians 5:18; Titus 1:6; 1 Peter 4:4; (Proverbs 28:7; 2 Macc. 6:4. Plato, rep. 8, p. 560 e.; Aristotle, eth. Nic. 4, 1, 5 (3), p. 1120{a}, 3; Polybius 32, 20, 9; 40, 12, 7; cf. Cicero, Tusc. 3, 8; Herodian, 2, 5, 2 (1, Bekker edition), and elsewhere). Cf. Tittmann i., p. 152f; (Trench, § xvi.). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Range The term ἀσωτία depicts a life that is wasteful, reckless, and devoid of moral restraint. It conveys reckless excess that squanders God-given resources of body, mind, and possessions, and stands opposite to sobriety, discipline, and Spirit-directed self-control. Biblical Usage • Ephesians 5:18 contrasts two controlling influences: “Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to reckless indiscretion, but be filled with the Spirit”. Paul places ἀσωτία in deliberate opposition to the Spirit’s filling, underscoring that dissipation deadens spiritual sensitivity while Spirit-fullness empowers holy living. Historical Context Greco-Roman society applauded banquets, drunkenness, and sexual license as marks of status and freedom. Early Christians, however, saw such excess as bondage. By labeling these practices ἀσωτία, the apostles challenged prevailing cultural norms and called the church to a markedly counter-cultural ethic rooted in holiness. Theological Significance 1. Evidence of Fleshly Control: ἀσωτία flows from a heart governed by the sinful nature (Galatians 5:19-21 lists related vices). Its presence signals spiritual death and alienation from God. Pastoral Application • Personal Holiness: Believers test entertainment, spending, and social practices against the standard of sober-minded stewardship. Related Concepts ἀσώτως (prodigally), κώμος (carousing), μέθη (drunkenness), ἀκρασία (lack of self-control). Together these terms sketch the broader scriptural portrait of reckless indulgence versus Spirit-formed discipline. Summary Strong’s Greek 810 portrays a lifestyle of wasteful, self-destructive excess that contradicts Spirit-led living. The New Testament treats ἀσωτία not merely as a social ill but as a spiritual disease, urging believers to forsake such dissipation and embrace a life ruled by the Spirit, marked by sobriety, stewardship, and readiness for Christ’s return. Forms and Transliterations ασωτια ασωτία ἀσωτία ασωτίαν ασωτιας ασωτίας ἀσωτίας άσωτος asotia asotía asōtia asōtía asotias asotías asōtias asōtíasLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 5:18 N-NFSGRK: ᾧ ἐστὶν ἀσωτία ἀλλὰ πληροῦσθε NAS: with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled KJV: wherein is excess; but be filled INT: which is debauchery but be filled Titus 1:6 N-GFS 1 Peter 4:4 N-GFS Strong's Greek 810 |
    |