ἄτερ
apart from, without
Definition
The Greek particle ἄτερ means 'apart from,' 'without,' or 'in the absence of.' It functions similarly to the more common preposition χωρίς (chōris, G5565), but with a nuance of separation or lack. In its two New Testament occurrences, it describes an action occurring in the absence of something else. In Luke 22:6, Judas sought an opportunity to betray Jesus 'apart from the crowd' (ἄτερ ὄχλου), emphasizing a private, secretive setting. In Luke 22:35, Jesus asks His disciples if they lacked anything when He sent them out 'without' a moneybag or other provisions (ἄτερ βαλλαντίου), highlighting a state of complete dependence on God's provision.
Biblical Usage
Ἄτερ is used only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospel of Luke. It appears in narrative contexts to specify the absence or lack of a person or thing that would normally be present. In Luke 22:6, it describes the absence of a crowd, and in Luke 22:35, it describes the absence of material possessions. This limited usage shows it was a less common synonym for 'without,' employed for stylistic variation.
Etymology
Derived from the prefix ἀ- (a-, meaning 'not' or 'without') and a root related to separation. It is cognate with the Latin 'sine' (without). Its formation emphasizes a state of being apart or lacking.
Semantic Range
While a simple particle, its use in Luke 22:35 connects to the theological theme of divine provision and discipleship. Jesus reminds the disciples they lacked nothing when sent out in complete dependence on God, contrasting with a future time of self-reliance. Understanding this Greek term sharpens the contrast between these two missions and underscores the call to trust in God's care rather than material security.
In the Greco-Roman world, acting 'apart from the crowd' (Luke 22:6) often implied secrecy or avoiding public scrutiny, which aligns with Judas's conspiratorial intent. The items listed as lacking in Luke 22:35 (moneybag, knapsack, sandals) were essential for travel, making their absence a powerful statement of vulnerability and trust.
χωρίς (chōris, G5565) — The more common word for 'without' or 'separate from,' used broadly. ἄνευ (aneu, G427) — Another particle for 'without,' often used in legal or formal contexts implying the absence of a necessary condition.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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