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ἄτερ

áter

G817 preposition

SILEX Entry

Definition

A prepositional particle meaning 'without' or 'apart from,' indicating the absence of something or someone from a context, either in a literal physical sense or in an abstract or figurative sense. Used to specify exclusion from a circumstance or relation, not merely lacking but consciously set apart from or separated by absence.

Semantic Range

without (physically absent), apart from (figurative or relational exclusion), in the absence of, separated from (in circumstance), exclusive of

Root / Etymology

Related to the Greek particle ἄνευ ('without'), both likely from a Proto-Indo-European root expressing negation or exclusion. ἄτερ is less common than ἄνευ in Koine, but both function as prepositions marking absence or separation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἄτερ is a somewhat archaic or poetic form, familiar from earlier Greek literature (e.g., Homeric epic), where it often marked physical separation. In Koine and the LXX, it is rare and most often found in literary or elevated registers. In the New Testament (e.g., Heb 7:20), its function is synonymous with ἄνευ, generally translated as 'without.' However, the nuance of ἄτερ can evoke a purposeful separation or conscious exclusion rather than simple absence. Later English translations often render it simply as 'without,' potentially obscuring this nuance. Compared to ἄνευ, ἄτερ carries a slightly more archaic or formal connotation and occurs more rarely in both Hellenistic and Christian Greek texts. There is no significant theological usage shift in the New Testament; its meaning remains consistent with earlier Greek. Contrast with χωρὶς, which may indicate separation in space or circumstance but does not always carry the sense of absence.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a particle probably akin to ἄνευ; aloof, i.e. apart from (literally or figuratively):--in the absence of, without.

Root Family

ἀτερ- (áter) — without, apart from, in the absence of

Root ἀτερ- without, apart from, in the absence of

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G817-01 ἄτερ ater PREP GEN without apart from without 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G817-01 Luke 22:6 ἄτερ ater PREP GEN without apart from without
G817-01 Luke 22:35 ἄτερ ater PREP GEN without apart from without
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