857. apheidia

Lexicon

apheidia: Self-denial, lack of restraint, severity

Original Word: ἀφειδία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: apheidia
Pronunciation: ah-fay-DEE-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (af-i-dee'-ah)
Definition: Self-denial, lack of restraint, severity
Meaning: severity, severe treatment.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

neglect.

From a compound of a (as a negative particle) and pheidomai; unsparingness, i.e. Austerity (asceticism) -- neglecting.

see GREEK a

see GREEK pheidomai

HELPS Word-studies

857 apheidía – (from 1 /A "not" and 5339 /pheídomai, "to spare") – properly, unsparing severity, referring to a "severe form of self-control" based on an ascetic, unsparing attitude" (L & N, 1, 88.90).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from alpha (as a neg. prefix) and pheidomai
Definition
unsparing treatment
NASB Translation
severe treatment (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 857: ἀφειδίᾳ

ἀφειδίᾳ (ἀφειδεια Lachmann, see under the word εἰ, ἰ), ἀφειδιας, ἡ (the disposition of a man who is ἀφειδής, unsparing), unsparing severity: with the genitive of the object, τοῦ σώματος, Colossians 2:23 (τῶν σωμάτων ἀφείδειν, Lysias 2, 25 (193, 5); Diodorus 13, 60; 79 etc. (see Lightfoot on Colossians, the passage cited); in Plato, defin., p. 412 d. ἀφειδίᾳ means liberality).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek prefix ἀ- (a-), meaning "without," and φείδομαι (pheidomai), meaning "to spare" or "to refrain."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἀφειδία in the Old Testament. However, concepts related to self-control, restraint, and indulgence can be found in various Hebrew terms, such as יָצַר (yatsar, Strong's 3334) meaning "to form" or "to restrain," and תַּאֲוָה (ta'avah, Strong's 8378) meaning "desire" or "lust." These terms reflect the broader biblical themes of self-discipline and the struggle against sinful desires.

Usage: The word ἀφειδία is used in the New Testament to describe a lack of self-discipline or restraint, particularly in the context of religious or ascetic practices. It appears in Colossians 2:23, where it is associated with practices that have the appearance of wisdom but lack true value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Context: The Greek term ἀφειδία is found in the New Testament in Colossians 2:23, where the Apostle Paul addresses the Colossian church regarding certain ascetic practices. In this passage, Paul critiques the human commandments and teachings that promote severe treatment of the body as a means of achieving spiritual purity. He argues that such practices, while appearing wise and pious, are ultimately ineffective in curbing the desires of the flesh. The use of ἀφειδία highlights the futility of external religious observances that lack genuine spiritual transformation. Paul emphasizes that true spiritual growth and self-control come from a relationship with Christ, rather than through self-imposed rituals or harsh treatment of the body.

In a broader theological context, ἀφειδία serves as a caution against legalism and the belief that external actions alone can lead to holiness. It underscores the importance of inner transformation and the work of the Holy Spirit in producing genuine self-control and discipline. The term invites believers to examine their motivations and to seek a deeper, more authentic faith that transcends mere outward appearances.

Forms and Transliterations

αφειδια αφειδία ἀφειδίᾳ αφειδώς apheidia apheidíāi

Englishman's Concordance

Colossians 2:23 N-DFS
GRK: ταπεινοφροσύνῃ καὶ ἀφειδίᾳ σώματος οὐκ
NAS: and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body,
KJV: and neglecting of the body;
INT: humility and unsparing treatment of [the] body not

Strong's Greek 857
1 Occurrence

ἀφειδίᾳ — 1 Occ.