ἀστεῖος
asteîos
G791 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pleasing in appearance or manners; distinguished by refined, attractive, or noble features or qualities, often carrying connotations of beauty, elegance, or genteel bearing associated with the inhabitants of a city. In some contexts, specifically refers to physical attractiveness, but may also indicate a cultivated or graceful manner.
Semantic Range
attractive, pleasing in appearance, graceful, elegant, urbane, noble-looking, cultivated, possessing a pleasing or refined manner
Root / Etymology
From the adjective ἀστεῖος (asteîos), derived from ἄστυ (ásty, 'city'). The word carries the sense of being 'of the city' or 'like a city-dweller,' which in Greek culture implied refinement, sophistication, and physical charm.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical literature, ἀστεῖος was commonly used to describe people or things that were refined, polite, or attractive, qualities considered typical of city life as opposed to rural simplicity. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, the term often implied social grace or urbanity. In the New Testament (e.g., Acts 7:20; Hebrews 11:23), it is used of Moses as a child, describing him as 'beautiful' or 'very fair' (πᾶς ἀστεῖος τῷ Θεῷ). English translations typically render it as 'beautiful' or 'well-favored,' but the word's original nuance included not only appearance but also the sense of being pleasing or well-bred, traits linked to urban upbringing in the Graeco-Roman world. The word is rare in the Septuagint, further emphasizing its specific connotation. Related terms include καλός (kalos, 'good, beautiful') and εὐειδής (eueidḗs, 'well-formed'), but ἀστεῖος uniquely adds the urban, cultivated aspect.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (a city); urbane, i.e. (by implication) handsome:--fair.
Root Family
ἀστεῖος (asteios) — city, urban life, refinement, cultivated attractiveness
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G791-01 |
ἀστεῖον | asteion | ADJ.P ACC N SG |
proper | cultivated and attractive | cultivated and attractive | 1 |
G791-02 |
ἀστεῖος | asteios | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
beautiful | refined and attractive | refined and attractive | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G791-02 |
Acts 7:20 | ἀστεῖος | asteios | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
beautiful | refined and attractive | refined and attractive |
G791-01 |
Hebrews 11:23 | ἀστεῖον | asteion | ADJ.P ACC N SG |
proper | cultivated and attractive | cultivated and attractive |