Lexical Summary ater: Without end, endlessly Original Word: ἀτέρ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance in the absence of, without. A particle probably akin to aneu; aloof, i.e. Apart from (literally or figuratively) -- in the absence of, without. see GREEK aneu NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. particle Definition without NASB Translation apart (1), without (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 817: ἄτερἄτερ, preposition, frequent in the poets (from Homer down), rare in prose writings from Plato (?) down; without, apart from: with the genitive (Dionysius Halicarnassus 3, 10; Plutarch, Numbers 14, Cat. min. 5); in the Bible only in 2 Macc. 12:15; Luke 22:6 (ἄτερ ὄχλου in the absence of the multitude; hence, without tumult), Luke 22:35. ('Teaching 3, 10 [ET]; Herm. sim. 5, 4, 5 [ET].) Topical Lexicon The Sense of SeparationThe term carries the idea of being apart from, lacking, or independent of something that would normally be expected. It emphasizes distance—not merely spatial, but relational or situational—between the subject and the object from which it is separated. Occurrences in the New Testament Luke 22:6 Judas “began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them in the absence of a crowd”. Luke 22:35 Jesus reminds the Twelve that, when He sent them “without purse, bag, or sandals,” they “lacked nothing”. In the first passage the word underscores secrecy and treachery; in the second, dependence on divine provision. Old Testament Background In the Septuagint the same word often translates Hebrew expressions for “without” or “apart from,” appearing in contexts such as: • Psalm 51:11—David pleads not to be left “without” God’s Spirit. These uses prepare the reader to grasp the New Testament nuance: life or action separated from God’s presence or provision is ultimately futile. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty versus Human Schemes Judas plots “apart from a crowd,” yet his secrecy cannot thwart God’s redemptive plan (Acts 2:23). The word quietly affirms that hidden sin remains under God’s sovereign gaze. 2. Trust in Providence When Jesus sent the disciples out “without” ordinary resources, their sufficiency came from Him (2 Corinthians 3:5). The absence of material support highlighted the presence of divine support. 3. The Poverty–Riches Paradox Ministry conducted “without” visible means parallels Paul’s testimony: “having nothing, and yet possessing everything” (2 Corinthians 6:10). The term celebrates the gospel principle that spiritual riches outweigh material lack. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Dependence: Workers are called to venture forth “apart from” self-reliance, confident that “my God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). Practical Exhortations 1. Examine motives in private decisions; secrecy can either protect wisdom (Matthew 6:4) or mask betrayal (Luke 22:6). Doctrinal Insight Every human attempt to live “apart from” Christ ends in spiritual barrenness. Conversely, those who accept His command to go “without” worldly security find that “the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1). Thus the word points both to the folly of independence from God and to the sufficiency found in wholehearted dependence on Him. Summary Strong’s Greek 817 highlights the contrast between life lived in separation from God and His people, and life lived in faith that transcends material lack. Whether exposing Judas’s clandestine betrayal or showcasing the disciples’ divinely supplied mission, the term calls believers to reject self-sufficiency, walk in integrity, and rest in the unfailing provision of the Lord. Forms and Transliterations ατερ άτερ ἄτερ ater áterLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 22:6 PrepGRK: παραδοῦναι αὐτὸν ἄτερ ὄχλου αὐτοῖς NAS: to betray Him to them apart from the crowd. KJV: unto them in the absence of the multitude. INT: to betray him away from [the] crowd to them Luke 22:35 Prep |
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