← G873 G875 →

ἀφορμή

aphormḗ

G874 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A beginning point or base of operations; in a figurative sense, that which provides the opportunity, means, or pretext for an action. The word can denote (1) a physical base or place from which an expedition, journey, or operation commences; (2) in metaphorical usage, an occasion, pretext, or opportunity that enables or gives rise to an activity, especially as the grounds or excuse for an action.

Semantic Range

starting point, base of operations, means, supply, opportunity, occasion, pretext, excuse, resource

Root / Etymology

From the preposition ἀπό (from) and ὁρμή (impulse, assault, starting point); literally, 'from a starting point' or 'point of origin.' The term originally refers to an embarkation point or base in military or nautical contexts, then expands to figurative meanings.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἀφορμή primarily designated a base of operations in a military or logistical sense—a place or resource from which one launched an expedition, campaign, or journey. Over time, and especially in Koine contexts, the term gained a broadened metaphorical sense: an 'occasion' or 'pretext,' often for action or argument (sometimes with negative connotations, indicating an excuse or opportunity taken for a self-serving purpose). In the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Romans 7:8, 7:11; 2 Corinthians 5:12, 11:12), the word typically means 'opportunity, pretext, occasion'—something that enables or gives impetus to action, whether good or bad. Standard English translations often use 'occasion,' 'opportunity,' or 'pretext,' but sometimes miss the nuance that the term can imply either a neutral means or a calculated excuse, depending on context. The word ἀφορμή contrasts with ἁφορή (to bear) and ὁρμή (impulse, onrush) by emphasizing the structural or circumstantial basis for action rather than the action or motion itself.

Translation Consistency

primary "opportunity" 7 occurrences

Aphormē most often functions figuratively in the NT as an occasion or opening that gives rise to action — "opportunity" is the natural, idiomatic English equivalent that covers the common senses (occasion, pretext, means) while still reading smoothly when context is more concrete.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a compound of ἀπό and ὁρμάω; a starting-point, i.e. (figuratively) an opportunity:--occasion.

Root Family

ἀφορμή (aphormē) — starting point, base of operations, opportunity, pretext, means

Root ὁρμ- to set in motion, to start, to rush

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G874-01 ἀφορμὴν aphormen N ACC F SG opportunity a base of operations an opportunity 7

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G874-01 Romans 7:8 ἀφορμὴν aphormen N ACC F SG occasion a base of operations an opportunity
G874-01 Romans 7:11 ἀφορμὴν aphormen N ACC F SG opportunity a base of operations an opportunity
G874-01 2 Corinthians 5:12 ἀφορμὴν aphormen N ACC F SG occasion a base of operations an opportunity
G874-01 2 Corinthians 11:12 ἀφορμὴν aphormen N ACC F SG opportunity a base of operations an opportunity
G874-01 2 Corinthians 11:12 ἀφορμήν aphormen-2 N ACC F SG opportunity a base of operations an opportunity
G874-01 Galatians 5:13 ἀφορμὴν aphormen N ACC F SG opportunity a base of operations an opportunity
G874-01 1 Timothy 5:14 ἀφορμὴν aphormen N ACC F SG opportunity a base of operations an opportunity
← G873 Greek Lexicon G875 →