Strong's Lexicon areté: Virtue, excellence, moral goodness Original Word: ἀρετή Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root ἀρ- (ar-), which is related to the concept of excellence or virtue. Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "areté," the concept of virtue and moral excellence can be related to Hebrew words like "חַיִל" (chayil, Strong's H2428) meaning strength or valor, and "צֶדֶק" (tsedeq, Strong's H6664) meaning righteousness. Usage: In the New Testament, "areté" refers to moral excellence or virtue. It encompasses the idea of living in a way that reflects the highest moral standards and qualities. This term is often associated with the character and conduct that align with God's nature and commands. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, "areté" was a significant concept, often associated with the fulfillment of purpose or function. It was used to describe the excellence of a person or thing in fulfilling its intended purpose. In the context of Greek philosophy, it was closely linked to the idea of living a life of virtue and moral integrity. In the New Testament, this concept is elevated to reflect the moral excellence that believers are called to exhibit as they follow Christ. HELPS Word-studies 703 arétē – properly, virtue ("moral excellence") which is displayed to enrich life. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition moral goodness, i.e. virtue NASB Translation excellence (2), excellencies (1), moral excellence (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 703: ἀρετήἀρετή, ἀρετῆς, ἡ (see ἄρα at the beginning), a word of very wide signification in Greek writings; any excellence of a person (in body or mind) or of a thing, an eminent endowment, property or quality. Used of the human mind and in an ethical sense, it denotes: 1. a virtuous course of thought, feeling and action; virtue, moral goodness (Wis. 4:1 Wis. 5:13; often in 4 Macc. and in Greek writings): 2 Peter 1:5 (others take it here specifically, viz. moral vigor; cf. next entry). 2. any particular moral excellence, as modesty, purity; hence (plural αἱ ἀρεταί, Wis. 8:7; often in 4 Macc. and in the Greek philosophers) τίς ἀρετή, Philippians 4:8. Used of God, it denotes a. his power: 2 Peter 1:3. b. in the plural his excellences, perfections, 'which shine forth in our gratuitous calling and in the whole work of our salvation' (John Gerhard): 1 Peter 2:9. (In the Sept. for הוד splendor, glory, Habakkuk 3:3, of God; Zechariah 6:13, of the Messiah; in plural for תְּהִלּות praises, of God, Isaiah 43:21; Isaiah 42:12; Isaiah 63:7.) From the same as arrhen; properly, manliness (valor), i.e. Excellence (intrinsic or attributed) -- praise, virtue. see GREEK arrhen Englishman's Concordance Philippians 4:8 N-NFSGRK: εἴ τις ἀρετὴ καὶ εἴ NAS: there is any excellence and if KJV: if [there be] any virtue, and INT: if any excellence and if 1 Peter 2:9 N-AFP 2 Peter 1:3 N-GFS 2 Peter 1:5 N-AFS 2 Peter 1:5 N-DFS Strong's Greek 703 |
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