Lexical Summary authairetos: Voluntary, willing, of one's own accord Original Word: αὐθαίρετος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of own accordFrom autos and the same as hairetizo; self-chosen, i.e. (by implication) voluntary -- of own accord, willing of self. see GREEK autos see GREEK hairetizo HELPS Word-studies 830 authaíretos (an adjective, derived from 846 /autós, "self" and 138 /hairéomai, "make a personal choice") – properly, act voluntarily (by free choice); literally describing a person's decision as originating from their own self, i.e. not required to choose a particular way. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom autos and haireó Definition self-chosen, i.e. of one's own accord NASB Translation himself (1), own accord (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 830: αὐθαίρετοςαὐθαίρετος, ἀυθαιρετον (from αὐτός and ἁιρέομαι), self-chosen; in Greek writings especially of states or conditions, as δουλεία, Thucydides 6, 40, etc., more rarely of persons; voluntary, of free choice, of one's own accord (as στρατηγός, Xenophon, an. 5, 7, 29, explained § 28 by ὅς ἑαυτόν έ῾ληται): 2 Corinthians 8:3, 17. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Essence Strong’s Greek 830, authairetos, conveys the idea of acting “of one’s own accord.” In Scripture it highlights a disposition that is self-motivated, spontaneous, and uncoerced—a readiness of soul that delights to serve without external pressure. Biblical Usage in Context The term appears exclusively in 2 Corinthians 8. Verse 3 commends the Macedonian believers, who gave “of their own accord,” transcending even their poverty to supply relief for the saints in Jerusalem. Verse 17 celebrates Titus, who, “of his own accord,” embraced the mission of gathering the collection at Corinth. Both instances frame authairetos within the larger Pauline appeal for grace-filled generosity. Theology of Voluntary Service 1. Rooted in Grace: Paul grounds all true Christian giving in the prior gift of Christ (2 Corinthians 8:9). Because salvation is by grace, authentic response must likewise be voluntary. Historical Background: Macedonian Generosity and Titus’ Mission During the mid-fifties A.D., severe famine struck Judea. Paul organized a relief offering among Gentile churches. Though the Macedonians faced “extreme poverty” (2 Corinthians 8:2), they begged for the privilege of sharing. Their example supplied persuasive leverage for Corinth. Titus had earlier initiated the collection (2 Corinthians 8:6); his willingness to return underscored the principle that Christian leaders, no less than donors, should serve self-motivated by love. Application in Ministry • Giving: Churches are encouraged to prioritize offerings that arise from joyful conviction rather than fund-raising pressure. Related Biblical Themes • Old Testament freewill offerings (Exodus 25:2; Leviticus 22:29; Ezra 1:4) prepare the pattern of spontaneous devotion. Conclusion Authairetos spotlights a heart set free by grace to act voluntarily for the glory of God and the good of others. Whether manifested in sacrificial giving, eager leadership, or daily acts of kindness, such willingness remains a vital hallmark of authentic Christian discipleship. Forms and Transliterations αυθαιρετοι αυθαίρετοι αὐθαίρετοι αυθαιρετος αυθαίρετος αὐθαίρετος authairetoi authaíretoi authairetos authaíretosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 8:3 Adj-NMPGRK: παρὰ δύναμιν αὐθαίρετοι NAS: their ability, [they gave] of their own accord, KJV: [their] power [they were] willing of themselves; INT: beyond [their] ability [they were] willing of themselves 2 Corinthians 8:17 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 830 |
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