Strong's Lexicon akarpos: Unfruitful, barren Original Word: ἄκαρπος Word Origin: From the Greek prefix "α-" (a-, meaning "not" or "without") and "καρπός" (karpos, meaning "fruit"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "akarpos," the concept of fruitfulness and barrenness is expressed in various Hebrew terms such as "עָקָר" (aqar, meaning barren) and "פָּרָה" (parah, meaning to bear fruit). Usage: The term "akarpos" is used in the New Testament to describe something that is unproductive or lacking in fruit. It is often used metaphorically to refer to spiritual barrenness or a lack of good works and virtues in a believer's life. The concept of fruitfulness is central to the Christian life, symbolizing the visible evidence of a believer's faith and the work of the Holy Spirit. Cultural and Historical Background: In the agrarian society of the ancient Near East, fruitfulness was a common metaphor for prosperity, blessing, and divine favor. A fruitful tree or vine was a symbol of life and abundance, while a barren one represented desolation and judgment. This imagery is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carries over into the New Testament, where spiritual fruitfulness is emphasized as a sign of a true and living faith. HELPS Word-studies 175 ákarpos (an adjective, from 1 /A "not" and 2590 /karpós, "fruit") – properly, unfruitful. 175 /ákarpos ("unfruitful") refers to any thought (action) not originated and empowered by the Lord, i.e. not born of faith (birthed and empowered by God). By definition, all decisions that are not born "of faith are sin" (Ro 14:23) – which automatically renders them eternally fruitless ("a waste"). This is the case regardless of how impressive or acceptable they are in the eyes of the world. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom alpha (as a neg. prefix) and karpos Definition unfruitful NASB Translation unfruitful (6), without fruit (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 175: ἄκαρποςἄκαρπος, (καρπός) (from Aeschylus down), without fruit, barren; 1. properly: δένδρα, Jude 1:12. 2. metaphorically, not yielding what it ought to yield, (A. V. unfruitful): Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19; destitute of good deeds, Titus 3:14; 2 Peter 1:8; contributing nothing to the instruction, improvement, comfort, of others, 1 Corinthians 14:14; by litotes pernicious, Ephesians 5:11 (Wis. 15:4; cf. Grimm on Wis. 1:11). From a (as a negative particle) and karpos; barren (literally or figuratively) -- without fruit, unfruitful. see GREEK a see GREEK karpos Englishman's Concordance Matthew 13:22 Adj-NMSGRK: λόγον καὶ ἄκαρπος γίνεται NAS: the word, and it becomes unfruitful. KJV: and he becometh unfruitful. INT: word and unfruitful it becomes Mark 4:19 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 14:14 Adj-NMS Ephesians 5:11 Adj-DNP Titus 3:14 Adj-NMP 2 Peter 1:8 Adj-AMP Jude 1:12 Adj-NNP Strong's Greek 175 |
|
