### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἄῤῥωστος (árrhōstos), Strong's number `{{G732}}`, is a compound word derived from the privative alpha (ἀ-) and a presumed derivative of ῥώννυμι (rhōnnymi), which means "to strengthen" or "to be strong/well." Thus, the etymological root of ἄῤῥωστος signifies "without strength," "not strong," or "infirm." Its core meaning denotes a state of physical weakness, debility, or illness. The semantic range is quite focused, primarily referring to a lack of robust health or vigor, indicating a condition of being unwell rather than a specific disease. It captures the general state of being "sick" or "infirm," often implying a vulnerability or inability to function optimally due to physical ailment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἄῤῥωστος appears five times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels, highlighting its connection to Jesus' healing ministry.
* **[[Matthew 14:14]]**: "And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick (ἄῤῥωστος)." Here, the term refers to those suffering from various physical ailments, whom Jesus, moved by divine compassion, miraculously restored to health. This verse underscores Jesus' active and merciful response to human suffering.
* **[[Mark 6:5]]**: "Now He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick (ἄῤῥωστος) people and healed them." In this context, ἄῤῥωστος again denotes individuals afflicted with physical illness. The passage emphasizes Jesus' power to heal, even in a place of unbelief, though the extent of His mighty works was limited by the people's lack of faith.
* **[[Mark 16:18]]**: "they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick (ἄῤῥωστος), and they will recover." This verse, part of the disputed longer ending of Mark, presents the healing of the ἄῤῥωστος as a sign accompanying believers, indicating the continuation of Christ's restorative power through His disciples.
* **[[Luke 4:40]]**: "When the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick (ἄῤῥωστος) with various diseases brought them to Him; and He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them." Similar to Matthew 14:14, this verse portrays Jesus as the compassionate healer, addressing the diverse physical infirmities of the people. The use of "various diseases" alongside ἄῤῥωστος clarifies that the term encompasses a broad spectrum of ailments.
* **[[1 Corinthians 11:30]]**: "For this reason many are weak (ἀσθενεῖς) and sick (ἄῤῥωστος) among you, and many sleep." This is the only occurrence outside the Gospels and carries significant theological weight. Paul attributes the physical weakness (ἀσθενεῖς, `{{G770}}`), sickness (ἄῤῥωστος), and even death ("sleep") among the Corinthian believers to their unworthy participation in the Lord's Supper. This context reveals a direct, divinely orchestrated consequence of spiritual misconduct manifesting in physical infirmity, suggesting a holistic connection between spiritual integrity and physical well-being.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "sickness" or "weakness" in the New Testament is conveyed by several terms, each with nuanced meanings.
* **ἀσθενής (asthenēs)** `{{G770}}`: Meaning "weak," "powerless," or "sick," this is a broader term that can apply to physical, moral, or spiritual weakness. While ἄῤῥωστος specifically refers to physical illness, ἀσθενής often describes the general state of lacking strength, which can include the infirmity denoted by ἄῤῥωστος. The pairing in [[1 Corinthians 11:30]] ("weak and sick") suggests that ἄῤῥωστος is a specific manifestation of being ἀσθενής.
* **ἀσθένεια (asthenéia)** `{{G769}}`: The noun form of ἀσθενής, meaning "weakness," "infirmity," or "sickness." It frequently appears in discussions of human frailty, whether physical, spiritual, or emotional.
* **νοσέω (noséō)** `{{G3552}}`: To be sick, to be diseased. This term is less common in the New Testament to describe physical illness, though it appears in [[Luke 4:40]] in conjunction with ἄῤῥωστος, and in [[1 Timothy 6:4]] to describe a spiritual "sickness" or unhealthy craving.
* **κάμνω (kamnō)** `{{G2577}}`: To be weary, to be sick. Used in [[James 5:15]] in the context of the prayer for the sick.
The concept of ἄῤῥωστος is intrinsically linked to divine healing, human suffering, compassion, and the power of God manifested through Christ and His followers. It also touches upon the theological understanding of the human body and its relationship to spiritual life.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of ἄῤῥωστος carry profound theological significance, particularly in the context of Christ's ministry and the life of the early Church.
1. **Divine Compassion and Healing Power**: The Gospels consistently present Jesus' encounters with the ἄῤῥωστος as demonstrations of divine compassion and miraculous power. Jesus' healing of the sick was not merely an act of benevolence but a tangible sign of the inbreaking of God's Kingdom, where the effects of sin and the curse (including sickness) are being reversed. His ministry to the infirm reveals God's heart for humanity's suffering and His active intervention to restore wholeness.
2. **Validation of Christ's Authority**: The ability to heal the ἄῤῥωστος served as a powerful validation of Jesus' messianic claims and divine authority. It was a visible sign that God was indeed at work through Him, fulfilling prophetic expectations of a time when the lame would walk and the sick would be made well.
3. **The Church's Continued Ministry**: [[Mark 16:18]] suggests that the healing of the ἄῤῥωστος is a sign that would accompany believers, indicating that Christ's healing ministry was to continue through His Church. This highlights the ongoing presence of God's power and compassion in the world through His people, who are called to extend His restorative work.
4. **Holistic View of Human Well-being**: [[1 Corinthians 11:30]] presents a unique and sobering theological insight. It links physical sickness and even death directly to spiritual unworthiness in partaking of the Lord's Supper. This passage underscores a holistic understanding of human existence, where spiritual state, covenantal faithfulness, and physical well-being are interconnected. It serves as a stark reminder that disregard for sacred things can have tangible, severe consequences, emphasizing the seriousness of one's spiritual disposition before God. While not a universal formula for all sickness, it reveals a specific instance of divine discipline for the purpose of spiritual correction.
### Summary
The Greek word ἄῤῥωστος (árrhōstos) precisely describes a state of being "without strength" or "infirm," referring specifically to physical sickness or debility. Its primary usage in the Gospels illuminates Jesus' compassionate and powerful healing ministry, demonstrating His divine authority and the inauguration of God's Kingdom where sickness is overcome. The healing of the ἄῤῥωστος was a core component of His mission, revealing God's heart for suffering humanity. Furthermore, its appearance in [[1 Corinthians 11:30]] provides a crucial theological insight into the potential interconnectedness of spiritual health and physical well-being, where spiritual unworthiness can, in specific contexts, lead to physical infirmity as a form of divine discipline. Thus, ἄῤῥωστος not only describes human frailty but also serves as a canvas upon which God's restorative power, compassion, and righteous judgment are vividly displayed.
TRV