ἀφανισμός
aphanismós
G854 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Act or process of disappearing, causing to be unseen or destroyed; in certain contexts, refers to elimination, removal, or abrogation—especially concerning the cessation or nullification of something (such as a rule, object, or state). Used both for literal disappearance and for abstract senses, such as the ending or cancellation of something.
Semantic Range
disappearance, vanishing, destruction, abolishment, abrogation, cancellation, cessation
Root / Etymology
From the verb ἀφανίζω (to make invisible, to cause to disappear), which is related to the adjective ἄφανης (unseen, invisible), from the alpha-privative (ἀ-, 'not') and φαίνω (to bring to light, to appear).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The noun ἀφανισμός is rare, with usage attested mainly in Hellenistic and Koine Greek. In classical literature, related forms convey the sense of making something vanish, disappear, or lose its visible form or existence. In the Septuagint and other Greek Jewish writings, as well as the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 8:13), it is used primarily in metaphorical or legal contexts to describe the abolishing or annulling of something, not always equating to literal disappearance but to the effective ceasing of a practice or law. English translations sometimes render it as 'vanishing' or 'passing away,' but these can obscure the specific nuance of annulment or abrogation present in legal or covenantal contexts. The root idea is neutral regarding whether the disappearance is voluntary, forced, or natural—context determines this. It stands in contrast, for example, to ἀφανισμός with respect to objects or persons visible/invisible or active/nullified.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἀφανίζω; disappearance, i.e. (figuratively) abrogation:--vanish away.
Root Family
ἀφανιζ- (aphanismós) — to make invisible, to remove from sight, to destroy
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G854-01 |
ἀφανισμοῦ | aphanismou | N GEN M SG |
to vanish away | of disappearance | of disappearance | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G854-01 |
Hebrews 8:13 | ἀφανισμοῦ | aphanismou | N GEN M SG |
to vanish away | of disappearance | of disappearance |