ὠνέομαι

I buy, purchase

Definition

The verb ὠνέομαι means 'to buy' or 'to purchase' in a straightforward commercial sense. In its single New Testament occurrence in Acts 7:16, it specifically refers to the purchase of a burial plot, indicating a transaction to acquire property. This usage aligns with the general Koine Greek meaning of acquiring something in exchange for payment. While other Greek words for buying (like ἀγοράζω) appear more frequently, ὠνέομαι carries the same core transactional meaning in this context.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 7:16, within Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin. It describes the historical event where Abraham bought a tomb for Sarah from the sons of Hamor in Shechem. The usage is narrative and historical, referring to a specific property acquisition recorded in Genesis. There are no other patterns of usage in the New Testament.

Etymology

ὠνέομαι is a middle voice verb derived from the noun ὦνος, meaning 'price' or 'purchase.' It is a classical Greek verb that carried into Koine Greek, maintaining its core meaning of acquiring something by paying a price. It is cognate with the more common verb ἀγοράζω (G59), though ὠνέομαι often implies a more formal or negotiated purchase.

Semantic Range

In the ancient world, the purchase of a burial plot, as in Acts 7:16, was a significant familial and legal transaction. It established a permanent, inheritable claim to the land, which was crucial for a family's identity and legacy in a patriarchal society. Buying a tomb in Canaan also symbolized a lasting connection to the Promised Land, even for patriarchs who lived as foreigners. The use of silver as the payment medium was standard for serious property transactions.

ἀγοράζω (agorazō, G59) — The more common NT word for 'to buy,' often used in market contexts; can also carry theological weight (e.g., redemption). κτάομαι (ktaomai, G2932) — Emphasizes acquiring or procuring, sometimes without the explicit emphasis on a monetary transaction.

Word Details

Scripture References