αἴτιος
aítios
G159 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
One who is responsible for, the cause or source (of something); one who brings something about, whether in a positive or negative sense. In extended contexts, denotes a person or thing that is the originator, agent, or reason for an occurrence or state, including both direct (active) and indirect (permissive or enabling) causation.
Semantic Range
responsible for, cause of, author, agent, source, originator, to blame, liable, guilty (in legal sense), causative factor
Root / Etymology
From the root αἰτ- (ait-), related to 'to cause, to be responsible for,' commonly connected with αἰτέω (to ask, request) but more properly traceable to the notion of origin or responsibility. The precise etymology is debated; likely pre-classical in origin.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, αἴτιος is widely used to denote the person or thing responsible for an event, whether as an actual cause, origin, or guilty party. Its range covers both neutral causation (the cause of something occurring) and blameworthiness (being responsible for wrongdoing). In legal or judicial contexts, αἴτιος often describes someone liable or culpable, while in philosophical or general use, it denotes agency or source of action (cf. Aristotle's usage in examining causes). In the Septuagint, uses mirror both secular and judicial vocabulary, sometimes as 'guilty' or 'to blame,' but also in terms of legal responsibility. In the New Testament, αἴτιος appears rarely, usually emphasizing direct personal or agentive responsibility. Translations as 'author' in older English Bibles reflect a narrowed sense; the broader Greek usage covers not only creative agency but also blame, liability, or general origin. The term stands in contrast to terms like αἰτία (G156: 'cause, reason, accusation') and ποιητής (doer, maker), with αἴτιος emphasizing the function of responsibility rather than creative or productive activity alone. Modern translations may choose 'responsible (for),' 'cause,' or, contextually, 'guilty' or 'liable.' The use of αἴτιος does not require personal agency and may be impersonal (a thing or circumstance being causative).
Translation Consistency
"Cause" is the most natural, common English word that covers being the originator, agent, or source of an effect. It fits both direct and indirect/ enabling senses (bring about, be responsible for) and matches the most frequent P2 renderings. It is concise and will read naturally when inflected across forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as αἰτέω; causative, i.e. (concretely) a causer:--author.
Root Family
αἴτιος (aitios) — responsible, cause, source, originator, liable
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G159-01 |
αἴτιον | aition | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
cause | causative factor | that which causes | 3 |
G159-03 |
αἰτίου | aitiou | ADJ.S GEN N SG |
cause | of a cause | cause | 1 |
G159-02 |
αἴτιος | aitios | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
the source | responsible one | responsible one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G159-01 |
Luke 23:4 | αἴτιον | aition | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
fault | causative factor | that which causes |
G159-01 |
Luke 23:14 | αἴτιον | aition | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
guilt | causative factor | guilt |
G159-01 |
Luke 23:22 | αἴτιον | aition | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
cause | causative factor | that which causes |
G159-03 |
Acts 19:40 | αἰτίου | aitiou | ADJ.S GEN N SG |
cause | of a cause | cause |
G159-02 |
Hebrews 5:9 | αἴτιος | aitios | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
the source | responsible one | responsible one |