### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hetaîros**, represented by `{{G2083}}`, is defined as a **comrade**, **fellow**, or **friend**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively within the Gospel of Matthew, where it is used to address an associate or companion, often in a context of questioning or rebuke.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2083}}` consistently carries a challenging or corrective tone rather than one of simple affection. In the parable of the wedding feast, a king addresses a guest who is improperly dressed, saying, "**Friend**, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?" [[Matthew 22:12]]. Similarly, in the parable of the vineyard workers, a landowner rebukes a grumbling laborer with the words, "**Friend**, I do thee no wrong" [[Matthew 20:13]]. The term is also used as **fellows** to describe children in a marketplace in a parable about an unresponsive generation [[Matthew 11:16]]. Most pointedly, Jesus uses the word to address Judas at the moment of betrayal, asking, "**Friend**, wherefore art thou come?" [[Matthew 26:50]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help illuminate the contexts in which **hetaîros** appears:
* `{{G1062}}` **gámos** (marriage, wedding): This word establishes the setting for the rebuke in [[Matthew 22:12]], where the "**friend**" is found to be an unqualified guest at the **wedding**.
* `{{G1220}}` **dēnárion** (penny): This term for a coin is central to the dispute in [[Matthew 20:13]], where the "**friend**" is reminded of the **penny** he had agreed `{{G4856}}` to work for.
* `{{G1911}}` **epibállō** (to lay on): This word describes the hostile action that immediately follows Jesus addressing Judas as "**Friend**," as they "laid hands" on Jesus to take him [[Matthew 26:50]].
* `{{G1074}}` **geneá** (generation): In [[Matthew 11:16]], the term is used in a parable that Jesus says is like "this **generation**," where children call out to their **fellows** who refuse to participate.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2083}}` lies in its specific, targeted application to highlight a disconnect between association and action.
* **A Call to Accountability:** The word is used to call individuals to account for their behavior. The man at the wedding and the worker in the vineyard are both addressed as "**friend**" before being confronted with their failure to meet the required standard or agreement ([[Matthew 22:12]], [[Matthew 20:13]]).
* **The Irony of Betrayal:** Jesus’ use of "**Friend**" to Judas underscores the profound tragedy of the betrayal. It is a piercing address that exposes the hypocrisy of Judas's actions, coming as an associate only to "lay hands" `{{G1911}}` on him [[Matthew 26:50]].
* **The Unresponsive Heart:** The use of **fellows** in the parable of the children in the marketplace serves as a critique of "this generation" `{{G1074}}`, which fails to respond appropriately to the call of God, whether from John the Baptist or Jesus himself [[Matthew 11:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2083}}` is a nuanced term that moves beyond a simple definition of "friend." In every one of its four biblical appearances, it is used not to express warmth but to issue a direct and often solemn challenge. It functions as a rhetorical device to confront an individual who is outwardly a "fellow" or "comrade" but whose actions or attitude are out of line, exposing grievance, a lack of preparation, or outright betrayal.
TRV