αὐστηρός
austērós
G840 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Strict, harsh, severe in character, manner, or action; in physical contexts, describing something (such as taste or climate) as sharp, harsh, or bitter. The term is often used of a person, implying strictness or severity, especially in dealing with others or in personal conduct. Contextually, it may also denote something unpleasantly harsh or lacking gentleness.
Semantic Range
harsh in taste or sensation, strict in disposition, severe, stern, unyielding; in physical contexts, rough, sharp, or bitter; in personal qualities, inflexible, unbending, harshly disciplined
Root / Etymology
From a presumed derivative of the same root as ἀήρ (air), possibly related to the sensation of sharpness or roughness, but the exact etymology is uncertain. Related to classical Greek αὐστηρός meaning 'harsh, bitter, stringent.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, αὐστηρός describes physical properties (sharp, bitter—applied to taste or sensation) and then, by extension, character traits (harsh, strict, rigid). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, it shifted toward a predominantly figurative use, often to describe people as strict or stern, as in a strict overseer, teacher, or authority figure. In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 19:21-22), the term is specifically employed by a character describing a master as 'austere'—harsh or severe in dealings, emphasizing severity rather than physical harshness. English translation as 'austere' accurately preserves the sense of strictness, but in modern usage may understate its severe or even unyielding nuances in ancient contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a (presumed) derivative of the same as ἀήρ (meaning blown); rough (properly as a gale), i.e. (figuratively) severe:--austere.
Root Family
αὐστηρός (austēros) — harsh, severe, strict
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G840-01 |
αὐστηρὸς | austeros | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
austere | harsh | harsh | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G840-01 |
Luke 19:21 | αὐστηρὸς | austeros | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
austere | harsh | harsh |
G840-01 |
Luke 19:22 | αὐστηρός | austeros | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
austere | harsh | harsh |