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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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