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ἀσθενής

asthenḗs

G772 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root σθεν- lack strength, be weak, be powerless

Definition

Lacking strength or power; weak in a physical, emotional, or moral sense. In most contexts primarily denotes absence or deficiency of strength, capability, or effectiveness. Can refer to physical weakness (such as illness or frailty), lack of influence or social standing, or, by extension, moral or spiritual incapacity.

Semantic Range

physically weak, frail, infirm, sick, incapable, powerless, lacking in status or influence, lacking moral or spiritual capacity, feeble

Root / Etymology

From the alpha privative prefix ἀ- (denoting negation) and the stem σθεν- (strength, power), forming an adjective meaning 'without strength.' Related to the verb σθενόω (to strengthen) and the noun ἰσχύς (strength).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀσθενής appears as early as Homer, most often referring to someone who is physically weak, frail, or lacking in might. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the term broadens: in medical contexts (including Josephus and the Septuagint), it commonly designates the sick or infirm. In the LXX and NT, it frequently appears in contexts of illness, social vulnerability, or moral incapacity. In philosophical and rhetorical writings, it may designate a lack of intellectual or willpower strength. In New Testament usage, ἀσθενής often refers to those with physical sickness but also applies metaphorically to those seen as lacking moral resolve or spiritual capacity (e.g., 'weak in faith'). English translations often restrict the term to 'sick' or 'weak,' but the underlying sense in Koine Greek encompasses physical, social, and ethical domains. It contrasts with δυνατός (powerful, able) or ἰσχυρός (strong, mighty).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from Α (as a negative particle) and the base of σθενόω; strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral):--more feeble, impotent, sick, without strength, weak(-er, -ness, thing).

Root Family

ἀσθενής (asthenēs) — lack strength, be weak, be powerless

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G7695 weaker ones

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G772-03 ἀσθενὴς asthenes ADJ.P NOM M SG weak weak 8
G772-02 ἀσθενεῖς astheneis ADJ.S ACC M PL sick weak ones 7
G772-01 ἀσθενῆ asthene ADJ.S ACC M SG weak weak one 4
G772-06 ἀσθενοῦς asthenous ADJ.A GEN M SG disabled of a weak one 2
G772-04 ἀσθενέσιν asthenesin ADJ.S DAT M PL weak to the weak ones 2
G772-05 ἀσθενῶν asthenon ADJ.P GEN M PL weak being weak 2

Occurrences in Scripture

25 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G772-01 Matthew 25:39 ἀσθενῆ asthene ADJ.S ACC M SG weak one
G772-03 Matthew 25:43 ἀσθενὴς asthenes ADJ.P NOM M SG weak
G772-01 Matthew 25:44 ἀσθενῆ asthene ADJ.S ACC M SG weak one
G772-03 Matthew 26:41 ἀσθενής asthenes ADJ.P NOM F SG weak
G772-03 Mark 14:38 ἀσθενής asthenes ADJ.P NOM F SG weak weak
G772-02 Luke 9:2 ἀσθενεῖς astheneis ADJ.S ACC M PL sick weak ones
G772-02 Luke 10:9 ἀσθενεῖς astheneis ADJ.S ACC M PL sick weak ones
G772-06 Acts 4:9 ἀσθενοῦς asthenous ADJ.A GEN M SG disabled of a weak one
G772-02 Acts 5:15 ἀσθενεῖς astheneis ADJ.S ACC M PL sick weak ones
G772-02 Acts 5:16 ἀσθενεῖς astheneis ADJ.S ACC M PL sick weak ones
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