αὐθαίρετος
authaíretos
G830 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Voluntary, chosen of one's own accord; denoting an action or decision undertaken freely, without external compulsion or coercion. The term conveys the idea of self-initiation, emphasizing that the subject is the agent of their own choice, often in reference to offers, service, or giving.
Semantic Range
voluntary, self-chosen, of one's free will, of one's own initiative, willing of oneself, uncoerced
Root / Etymology
Composed from αὐτός ('self') and a root related to αἱρεῖν ('to choose'), specifically structured as an adjectival form meaning 'chosen by oneself.' Related to the verb αἱρετίζω ('to choose for oneself') and the noun αἱρετός ('chosen, desirable').
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested from Classical through Koine Greek, αὐθαίρετος frequently describes actions or offerings that are voluntary rather than required (e.g., voluntary gifts, contributions, service). In Classical sources, it can refer to both actions freely chosen and status freely adopted. In the Septuagint, it renders Hebrew terms for voluntary offerings (e.g., נְדָבָה, 'freewill offering'), and thus carries sacrificial as well as general civil connotations. In the New Testament (2 Corinthians 8:3; 8:17), it signifies acts done by deliberate will, not under obligation. English translations such as 'voluntary,' 'of one's own accord,' or 'willingly' capture the essential sense, but may not always convey the nuance of initiative and self-determination inherent in the Greek usage. The word contrasts with terms indicating compulsion (e.g., ἀναγκαστός, 'forced'). The sense includes both the will to act and the freedom from external impetus, distinguishing strictly personal decision from mere compliance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from αὐτός and the same as αἱρετίζω; self-chosen, i.e. (by implication) voluntary:--of own accord, willing of self.
Root Family
αὐθαιρετ- (authaíretos) — to choose oneself, to act of one's own accord
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G830-01 |
αὐθαίρετοι | authairetoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
of their own accord | self-chosen ones | self-chosen ones | 1 |
G830-02 |
αὐθαίρετος | authairetos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
of his own accord | self-chosen one | voluntary | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G830-01 |
2 Corinthians 8:3 | αὐθαίρετοι | authairetoi | ADJ.S NOM M PL |
of their own accord | self-chosen ones | self-chosen ones |
G830-02 |
2 Corinthians 8:17 | αὐθαίρετος | authairetos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
of his own accord | self-chosen one | voluntary |