Lexical Summary asótós: Recklessly, wastefully, prodigally Original Word: ἀσώτως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance riotous, reckless, wastefulAdverb from the same as asotia; dissolutely -- riotous. see GREEK asotia HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 811 asṓtōs (akin to asōtos, "a prodigal") – extravagantly wasteful because of "loose living," i.e. a debauched, profligate lifestyle (used only in Lk 15:13). See 810 (asōtia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from the same comp. as asótia Definition wastefully NASB Translation loose (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 811: ἀσώτωςἀσώτως, adverb (adjective ἄσωτος, on which see ἀσωτία), dissolutely, profligately: ζῆν (Josephus, Antiquities 12, 4, 8), Luke 15:13 (A. V. riotous living). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Semantic Range ἀσώτως depicts a mode of life that is wasteful, reckless, and lacking moral restraint. It pictures a person who expends resources—material, physical, or spiritual—without thought for consequence or accountability. Cultural Background In Hellenistic literature the adverb signified riotous banquets, drunken revelry, and a squandering of inheritance. Such behavior was condemned not only by Jewish morality but also by Greek philosophers who prized self-control (σῶφρων). Thus the term carried a strong pejorative sense well suited to a parable intended to shock its first-century audience. Biblical Usage Luke 15:13 employs ἀσώτως to describe the younger son who “squandered his wealth in wild living”. The lone New Testament occurrence stands at the literary and theological center of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, highlighting the gravity of the son’s rebellion and the depth of the father’s subsequent grace. Although ἀσώτως itself appears only here, its cognate ἀσωτία (asotia, Strong’s 810) surfaces in Ephesians 5:18; Titus 1:6; 1 Peter 4:4, confirming a consistent biblical warning against dissipation. Theology of Prodigality and Stewardship 1. Sin as Waste: Scripture often portrays sin not merely as law-breaking but as squandering the good gifts of God (cf. Proverbs 5:9-10; Jeremiah 2:13). Pastoral and Practical Applications • Warn against lifestyles that dissipate time, wealth, and relationships. Historical Insights from the Early Church Church Fathers such as Chrysostom used the parable to exhort believers to flee luxury and almsgiving; Augustine saw in the father’s embrace a picture of sacramental reconciliation. The term ἀσώτως became shorthand in patristic homilies for any pursuit that deadens the soul. Connections to Old Testament Wisdom Proverbs repeatedly warns against lavish self-indulgence (Proverbs 21:17; 23:20-21). Isaiah 55:2 asks, “Why spend money on what is not bread?”—a prophetic backdrop to the younger son’s folly. Christological and Redemptive Themes Jesus, the true Firstborn, did not waste His inheritance but “although He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). His righteous stewardship secures the lavish grace that welcomes prodigals home. Forms and Transliterations ασωτως ασώτως ἀσώτως asotos asōtōs asṓtos asṓtōsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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