Lexical Summary aphanizó: To destroy, to vanish, to disappear, to make unseen Original Word: ἀφανίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance corrupt, disfigure, destroyFrom aphanes; to render unapparent, i.e. (actively) consume (becloud), or (passively) disappear (be destroyed) -- corrupt, disfigure, perish, vanish away. see GREEK aphanes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aphanés Definition to make unseen, i.e. destroy NASB Translation destroy (1), destroys (1), neglect (1), perish (1), vanishes away (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 853: ἀφανίζωἀφανίζω; (passive, present ἀφανίζομαι); 1 aorist ἠφανίσθην; (ἀφανής); a. to snatch out of sight, to put out of view, to make unseen (Xenophon, an. 3, 4, 8 ἥλιον νεφέλη παρακαλύψασα ἠφανισε namely, τήν πόλιν, Plato, Phil. 66 a. ἀφανιζοντες κρύπτομεν). b. to cause to vanish away, to destroy, consume: Matthew 6:19f (often so in Greek writings and the Sept. (cf. Buttmann, § 130, 5)); passive to perish: Acts 13:41 (Luth.vorSchreckenvergehen); to vanish away, James 4:14 (Herodotus 7, 6; 167; Plato and following). c. to deprive of lustre, render unsightly; to disfigure: τό πρόσωπον, Matthew 6:16. The verb translated from Strong’s Greek number 853 denotes the act of causing something to disappear from sight or recognition, whether by literal removal, rapid decay, or rendering it inconspicuous. It carries a moral overtone in several contexts, underscoring the transitory nature of earthly pursuits when set against God’s enduring purposes. Occurrences in the New Testament Matthew 6:16 “When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.” Matthew 6:19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20 “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” Acts 13:41 “Look, you scoffers, marvel and perish, for I am doing a work in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.” James 4:14 “You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Patterns of Usage 1. Public Piety and Private Devotion (Matthew 6:16) The verb illustrates how ostentatious religiosity ‘erases’ genuine spiritual reward. Hypocrites mask their true motives behind a withered appearance, but the very show they create nullifies eternal benefit. 2. Temporal Treasures and Eternal Security (Matthew 6:19-20) Two verses place the same verb in antithesis. Earthly wealth is subject to deteriorating forces that progressively obliterate value; heavenly treasure is untouched by any power that could cause disappearance. The contrast heightens the call to invest in spiritual, imperishable realities. 3. Divine Judgment on Unbelief (Acts 13:41) Quoting Habakkuk 1:5, Paul warns synagogue hearers that scoffing leads to catastrophic removal. God’s redemptive work in Christ will proceed, but those who reject it will be swept away—an abrupt and irreversible obliteration of privilege and opportunity. 4. Fragility of Human Life (James 4:14) Human plans are likened to vapor swiftly ‘vanishing’. The word underscores both the brevity and the vulnerability of life, urging humble dependence upon the Lord’s will. Historical and Cultural Background In the Greco-Roman world, decay was a daily reality: moth-eaten garments, corroding metals, and plundering thieves constantly threatened personal wealth. Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount leveraged this familiar anxiety. Likewise, fasting could become a venue for public honor, a practice Jesus corrects by revealing how self-display actually nullifies spiritual gain. The synagogue setting of Acts 13 provides a first-century counterpart to Habakkuk’s prophetic era: national pride and skepticism toward unexpected divine intervention. Paul’s appropriation of the verb carries the solemn weight of historical precedent—those who once ignored the prophet faced devastation; the same fate awaits any who reject the risen Messiah. Theological Themes • Impermanence of the Present Age All five instances highlight how quickly earthly realities can be erased. Material goods, physical appearance, national security, and even life itself are transient. • Divine Sovereignty Over Human Outcomes Whether in judgment (Acts 13:41) or the natural course of life (James 4:14), God alone determines what endures and what disappears. • Call to Authentic Spirituality Disfiguring the face, storing fading treasure, and presuming upon tomorrow all stem from self-centered living that God warns will dissolve into nothing. True righteousness seeks the Father’s reward, heavenly treasure, and humble submission to His will. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Teaching on Stewardship Pastors and teachers can apply Matthew 6:19-20 by urging believers to assess investments of time, talent, and treasure in light of eternity, reminding them that everything vulnerable to ‘destruction’ will ultimately vanish. 2. Counseling on Authentic Worship Matthew 6:16 instructs believers to fast or serve without theatrical self-promotion. Ministries aimed at spiritual disciplines should emphasize secrecy before human eyes and openness before God. 3. Evangelistic Warning Acts 13:41 provides a sobering template for gospel proclamation. Heralds of the Word must warn that continued unbelief leads to sudden loss—of opportunity, blessing, and life itself. 4. Pastoral Care in Suffering and Loss James 4:14 equips shepherds to frame mortality and uncertainty within a biblical worldview, offering comfort that while earthly life evaporates, life hidden with Christ in God is secure. 5. Personal Self-Examination Regular reflection on what may be ‘vanishing’ in one’s own walk—integrity, zeal, compassion—can awaken renewed dependence on the Spirit, who alone secures abiding fruit. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 853 weaves a consistent thread through Gospel instruction, apostolic warning, and practical exhortation: whatever is not rooted in God’s eternal purpose is destined to disappear. The wise disciple, therefore, pursues unseen rewards, entrusts every plan to the Lord, and proclaims salvation with urgency, knowing that only what He establishes endures forever. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 6:16 V-PIA-3PGRK: ὑποκριταὶ σκυθρωποί ἀφανίζουσιν γὰρ τὰ NAS: as the hypocrites [do], for they neglect their appearance KJV: for they disfigure their INT: hypocrites downcast in countenance they disfigure indeed the Matthew 6:19 V-PIA-3S Matthew 6:20 V-PIA-3S Acts 13:41 V-AMP-2P James 4:14 V-PPM/P-NFS Strong's Greek 853 |
    |