ἀνάπηρος (G376) — Greek Lexicon

ἀνάπηρος

anápēros

G376 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Physically disabled, especially in a manner affecting movement or use of limbs; primarily denotes a person with a disabling condition such as lameness or loss of function in limbs, thus unable to walk or function normally by reason of injury, deformity, or congenital impairment. Broader sense extends to any incapacity resulting from serious bodily injuries.

Semantic Range

severely disabled, crippled, deprived of full use of limbs, physically incapacitated; maimed, physically impaired, handicapped

Root / Etymology

Formed from ἀνά (suggesting intensity or upward direction) and πηρός (maimed, disabled in limb). The prepositional prefix ἀνά here intensifies, not simply spatial but to stress the degree of impairment. πηρός itself is well attested in classical Greek for bodily handicaps.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πηρός referred to persons with damaged or disabled limbs—specifically maimed, crippled, or deformed. ἀνάπηρος, rare in classical sources but found in medical, philosophical, and Koine contexts, intensifies the sense, often implying a particularly severe or evident impairment. In the New Testament (e.g., Lk 14:13, 21), the term is listed alongside other descriptors for disabled persons. In LXX and other Hellenistic texts, often used inclusively for those excluded from ritual or public activity due to notable bodily disabilities. English translations often narrow it to 'maimed' or 'crippled,' but it denotes any significant physical impairment, not only traumatic loss but also congenital or illness-based afflictions. Distinct from χωλός (lame, specifically unable to walk) and τυφλός (blind). No explicitly religious connotation; the focus is on physical incapacity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀνά (in the sense of intensity) and (maimed); crippled:--maimed.

Root Family

ἀνάπηρος (anápēros) — to disable, to maim, to injure; severely physically impaired

Root πηρ- to disable, to maim, to injure

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G376-01`	ἀναπείρους	anapeirous	`ADJ.S ACC M PL`	crippled	severely disabled ones	severely disabled ones	2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G376-01`	Luke 14:13	ἀναπείρους	anapeirous	`ADJ.S ACC M PL`	the maimed	severely disabled ones	severely disabled ones
`G376-01`	Luke 14:21	ἀναπείρους	anapeirous	`ADJ.S ACC M PL`	crippled	severely disabled ones	severely disabled ones

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