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ἀσπασμός

aspasmós

G783 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἀσπασ- to greet, to welcome, to salute

Definition

A word or act of greeting, salutation, or expression of welcome, especially as a token of goodwill or recognition. Primary use refers to the customary exchange of greetings, whether by spoken word, gesture, or written note, in social or epistolary contexts; can also denote the formulaic closing or opening of a letter expressing well-wishing.

Semantic Range

greeting, salutation, word or act of welcome, formal expression of goodwill in person or letter, address of respect or peace

Root / Etymology

From the verb ἀσπάζομαι ('to greet, to welcome, to salute'). The word is a noun formation (-μός suffix) from the root ἀσπασ-, denoting the act or result of the verb. Ultimately of uncertain deeper origin; classical use confirms root is native Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek ἀσπασμός refers broadly to a greeting or salutation, both in speech and by gesture. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, the term is especially associated with formulaic greetings exchanged between individuals or communities, whether face-to-face (e.g., a welcoming embrace, spoken welcome) or in letters (as in epistolary closings or openings, conveying respect or affection). The social function was to express goodwill, respect, or peace. In Jewish and early Christian epistolary tradition, ἀσπασμός comes to denote the formal greeting segment of correspondence, functioning as a term of social ritual rather than simple politeness. English translation tradition uses 'greeting' or 'salutation,' but these can underplay the performative and relational significance in ancient contexts, where such greetings could indicate acceptance, honor, or inclusion. Conventional translation as 'salutation' or 'greeting' is accurate but may not capture the nuance of respect or relationship indicated by the term in ancient Mediterranean society.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἀσπάζομαι; a greeting (in person or by letter):--greeting, salutation.

Root Family

ἀσπασμός (aspasmos) — greeting, salutation, welcome, expression of goodwill

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G783-04 ἀσπασμοὺς aspasmous N ACC M PL greetings greetings 4
G783-02 ἀσπασμὸς aspasmos N NOM M SG greeting a greeting 4
G783-01 ἀσπασμὸν aspasmon N ACC M SG greeting a greeting 1
G783-03 ἀσπασμοῦ aspasmou N GEN M SG greeting of a greeting 1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G783-04 Matthew 23:7 ἀσπασμοὺς aspasmous N ACC M PL greetings
G783-04 Mark 12:38 ἀσπασμοὺς aspasmous N ACC M PL greetings greetings
G783-02 Luke 1:29 ἀσπασμὸς aspasmos N NOM M SG salutation a greeting
G783-01 Luke 1:41 ἀσπασμὸν aspasmon N ACC M SG greeting a greeting
G783-03 Luke 1:44 ἀσπασμοῦ aspasmou N GEN M SG greeting of a greeting
G783-04 Luke 11:43 ἀσπασμοὺς aspasmous N ACC M PL greetings greetings
G783-04 Luke 20:46 ἀσπασμοὺς aspasmous N ACC M PL greetings greetings
G783-02 1 Corinthians 16:21 ἀσπασμὸς aspasmos N NOM M SG greeting a greeting
G783-02 Colossians 4:18 ἀσπασμὸς aspasmos N NOM M SG greeting a greeting
G783-02 2 Thessalonians 3:17 ἀσπασμὸς aspasmos N NOM M SG greeting a greeting
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