### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aphormḗ**, represented by `{{G874}}`, means a **starting-point** or, figuratively, an **opportunity** or **occasion**. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The term itself is neutral, signifying a base of operations or a foothold from which an action can be launched, whether for good or for evil.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G874}}` is frequently used as a warning. Paul explains that **sin** `{{G266}}`, taking **occasion** by the commandment, deceived and killed him [[Romans 7:11]]. Similarly, he cautions believers not to use their **liberty** `{{G1657}}` as an **occasion** for the **flesh** `{{G4561}}`, but rather to serve one another through love [[Galatians 5:13]]. The term is also used strategically, as when Paul advises that the behavior of younger women should give no **occasion** to an adversary to speak reproachfully [[1 Timothy 5:14]]. Conversely, it can be positive, as when Paul gives the Corinthians an **occasion** to glory on his behalf [[2 Corinthians 5:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of an **occasion**:
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (a sin (properly abstract):--offence, sin(-ful)): This is often the agent that takes advantage of an **occasion**. In Romans, it is **sin** that seizes the opportunity provided by the law [[Romans 7:8]].
* `{{G1657}}` **eleuthería** (freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial):--liberty): This represents a state or blessing that can be wrongly turned into an **occasion** for selfish or fleshly pursuits [[Galatians 5:13]].
* `{{G480}}` **antíkeimai** (to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to:--adversary, be contrary, oppose): This refers to the opponent who looks for an **occasion** to find fault or speak reproachfully [[1 Timothy 5:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G874}}` is centered on the moral and spiritual choices presented by circumstances.
* **The Paradox of the Law:** The law, though holy and good, paradoxically provides an **occasion** for **sin** `{{G266}}` to be revealed and to work death, highlighting humanity's fallen nature and the need for a savior ([[Romans 7:8]], [[Romans 7:11]]).
* **The Responsibility of Freedom:** Christian **liberty** `{{G1657}}` is not a license for self-indulgence. It presents a critical choice: either it is used as an **occasion** for the flesh or as an opportunity to serve others in **love** `{{G26}}`, which is the proper expression of that freedom [[Galatians 5:13]].
* **Strategic Living:** Believers are called to live with wisdom, intentionally "cutting off" any **occasion** that might be used by opponents to slander the faith or to boast in false pretenses ([[2 Corinthians 11:12]], [[1 Timothy 5:14]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G874}}` is a pivotal word that illustrates the nature of spiritual opportunity. It is a starting point that can be leveraged by sin for destruction or by the believer for righteousness. Its usage demonstrates that circumstances and even divine gifts like law and liberty can become battlegrounds, demanding wisdom and discernment to deny an **occasion** to the flesh and the adversary, while creating occasions for glorying in what is true.
TRV