### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **austērós**, represented by `{{G840}}`, describes something that is **severe** or rough. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. It is used to characterize a person as harsh and demanding, particularly in their expectations of others.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both uses of `{{G840}}` appear in the same account in Luke. In [[Luke 19:21]], a servant justifies his inaction by telling his master, "I feared thee, because thou art an **austere** man." The servant defines this austerity by accusing the master of taking up `{{G142}}` what he did not lay down `{{G5087}}` and reaping `{{G2325}}` what he did not sow `{{G4687}}`. In the following verse, the master seizes upon this description, judging the **wicked** `{{G4190}}` servant by his own words: "Thou knewest that I was an **austere** man" [[Luke 19:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the meaning and impact of being **austere**:
* `{{G5399}}` **phobéō** (to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere): This is the emotion the servant claims the austere master provoked, leading to his inaction [[Luke 19:21]].
* `{{G142}}` **aírō** (to lift up; by implication, to take up or away): This is one of the specific actions, taking what one did not deposit, used to define the master's severe character [[Luke 19:21]].
* `{{G2325}}` **therízō** (to harvest): Paired with sowing, this act of reaping where one did not sow is the other key behavior attributed to the austere man [[Luke 19:21]].
* `{{G4190}}` **ponērós** (hurtful, i.e. evil...morally culpable, i.e. derelict, vicious, facinorous): The master applies this label to the servant, turning the accusation of being austere back on him to expose his own wickedness [[Luke 19:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G840}}` is found in its role within the parable.
* **Fear as Justification:** The word is central to the servant's excuse. He claims his fear `{{G5399}}` of the master's **austere** nature paralyzed him [[Luke 19:21]], highlighting how a wrong perception of authority can lead to inaction.
* **A Standard for Judgment:** The master turns the servant's accusation into the standard for his judgment. By calling the servant **wicked** `{{G4190}}`, he reveals that the true fault was not the master's severity but the servant's failure to act on his own stated beliefs [[Luke 19:22]].
* **Portrait of Unjust Demands:** The definition of an **austere** man is given through his actions: he takes up `{{G142}}` what he did not put down and reaps `{{G2325}}` where he did not sow [[Luke 19:21]]. This paints a picture of demanding a return without investment.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G840}}` provides a sharp characterization of a severe and demanding nature. Though used only twice, its context in Luke's Gospel is rich, serving as the pivot point in a parable about perception, responsibility, and judgment. It is defined not just by its meaning as **severe**, but by the associated actions of unjust taking `{{G142}}` and reaping `{{G2325}}`, and it ultimately serves to expose the servant who uses it as an excuse as truly **wicked** `{{G4190}}`.
TRV