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ἀήρ

aḗr

G109 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Atmosphere, the lower sky, the space around the earth filled with air, or the mass of gas breathed by living beings. In some contexts, specifically the lower or denser part of the sky as opposed to the higher heaven (οὐρανός). The primary meaning is the physical air which surrounds and is breathed by humans and animals, but in extended usage may signify the realm just above the earth, sometimes with spatial, meteorological, or figurative significance.

Semantic Range

air (respirable atmosphere), lower sky or atmosphere (as spatial realm), open air (expanse just above the earth), by extension—sphere of activity or influence (figuratively), contrast with heavens/celestial sphere

Root / Etymology

From the root ἀέω/ἀάζω (to blow, to breathe), ἀήρ is related to verbs referring to the movement or stirring of air. Cognate with Latin 'aes' (air). No clear Semitic cognate. Compare ψύχω (to breathe/ to cool).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ἀήρ refers both to the physical air (the element breathed by humans and animals) and to the lower atmosphere, often contrasted with the upper celestial sphere (αἰθήρ). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the term continues to denote the lower sky or the breathable atmosphere. In the New Testament (e.g. 1 Thessalonians 4:17, 1 Corinthians 9:26), it is used both literally (the air into which one is caught up) and metaphorically (fighting 'as one beating the air'). There is no inherent spiritual or supernatural sense in the word itself, although later usage sometimes associates ‘the air’ with spiritual realms (cf. Ephesians 2:2, where 'the power of the air' is a figurative designation, not a definition of the word). LXX use matches classical understanding, rarely if ever using ἀήρ to indicate supernatural realms. English translations consistently render ἀήρ as 'air,' which accurately conveys the general sense; however, the distinction between 'air' (ἀήρ) and 'heaven/sky' (οὐρανός, αἰθήρ) can be significant in Greek thought and cosmology.

Translation Consistency

primary "air" 7 occurrences

The primary semantic range of G109 is the physical, breathable atmosphere or the lower sky/expanse just above the earth. “Air” is the most natural, concise English noun that fits the typical usage (physical air, open air, lower sky) and can also cover extended/figurative senses (atmosphere, sphere) while remaining simple and consistent across all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (to breathe unconsciously, i.e. respire; by analogy, to blow); "air" (as naturally circumambient):--air. Compare ψύχω.

Root Family

ἀήρ (aēr) — air, lower atmosphere, that which is breathed

Root ἀήρ air, lower atmosphere, that which is breathed

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G109-02 ἀέρα aera N ACC M SG air air air 5
G109-03 ἀέρος aeros N GEN M SG of the air of air air 1
G109-01 ἀὴρ aer N NOM M SG air air air 1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G109-02 Acts 22:23 ἀέρα aera N ACC M SG air air air
G109-02 1 Corinthians 9:26 ἀέρα aera N ACC M SG air air air
G109-02 1 Corinthians 14:9 ἀέρα aera N ACC M SG air air air
G109-03 Ephesians 2:2 ἀέρος aeros N GEN M SG of the air of air air
G109-02 1 Thessalonians 4:17 ἀέρα aera N ACC M SG air air air
G109-01 Revelation 9:2 ἀὴρ aer N NOM M SG air air air
G109-02 Revelation 16:17 ἀέρα aera N ACC M SG air air air
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