Strong's Lexicon amunomai: To defend oneself, to protect, to ward off Original Word: ἀμύνομαι Word Origin: Derived from a primary root word in Greek, related to the concept of defense or protection. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often relates to words like "ganan" (H1598), meaning to defend or protect, and "shamar" (H8104), meaning to keep or guard. Usage: The verb "amunomai" is used in the context of self-defense or protection against an attack. It implies an active stance in warding off harm or danger. In the New Testament, it is often associated with the idea of spiritual defense, standing firm in faith, and resisting evil. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, the concept of defense was not only physical but also moral and spiritual. The Greeks valued the idea of standing firm against adversaries, whether in battle or in philosophical debates. In the context of the New Testament, this concept is often spiritualized, emphasizing the believer's need to stand firm against spiritual adversaries and moral challenges. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 292: ἀμύνωἀμύνω: 1 aorist middle ἠμυνάμην; (allied with Latinmunio,moenia, etc., Vanicek, p. 731; Curtius, § 451); in Greek writings (from Homer down) to ward off, keep off anything from anyone, τί τίνι, accusative of the thing and the dative of person; hence, with a simple dative of the person, to aid, assist anyone (Thucydides 1, 50; 3, 67, elsewhere). Middle ἀμύνομαι, with accusative of person, to keep off, ward off, anyone from oneself; to defend oneself against anyone (so also 2 Macc. 10:17; Wis. 11:3; the Sept. Joshua 10:13); to take vengeance on anyone (Xenophon, an. 2, 3,23; Josephus, Antiquities 9, 1, 2): Acts 7:24, where in thought supply τόν ἀδικοῦντα (cf. Buttmann, 194 (168) note; Winer's Grammar, 258 (242)). STRONGS NT 292a: ἀμφιβάλλωἀμφιβάλλω; to throw around, equivalent to περιβάλλω, of a garment (Homer, Odyssey 14, 342); to cast to and fro now to one side now to the other: a net, Mark 1:16 G L T Tr WH (according to T Tr WH used absolutely; cf. οἱ ἀμφιβολεῖς, Isaiah 19:8). (Habakkuk 1:17.) Middle voice of a primary verb; to ward off (for oneself), i.e. Protect -- defend. |