ἀμύνω (amunō)
amunō
to defend
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb amynō means to ward off or defend, often carrying the sense of resisting an attack or assisting someone in need. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 7:24, where Stephen describes Moses seeing an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew and intervening to defend the oppressed man.
Its meaning extends beyond physical protection to include requiting or avenging, as seen in its usage in the Septuagint (e.g., Psalm 118:10-12). The middle voice form suggests personal involvement, whether defending oneself or acting on behalf of another. This dual sense of protection and justice gives the word significant theological weight when applied to divine intervention.
Translators typically render it as "defend" or "aid," capturing both its protective and active dimensions. The single New Testament occurrence highlights Moses' role as a deliverer, foreshadowing Christ's ultimate defense of humanity against injustice and evil.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face injustice or see someone being hurt, it is natural to feel a strong desire to step in and protect them. The Greek word amynō captures this active stance of defense. It is not merely about standing by but involves taking action to ward off harm and support those who are vulnerable. This concept reminds us that faith often calls us to be present for others in their moments of need.
In Acts 7:24, we see Moses using this kind of intervention to help an oppressed man. While his methods were human and flawed, the heart behind the action reflects a deep concern for justice. For believers today, this word encourages us to look around our communities with compassion. We are invited to be people who stand up for the weak, offering protection and aid where it is most needed.
Ultimately, this term points to a God who defends His people. While we may not always have the power to change every situation, we can trust in a Creator who sees suffering and acts with justice. Our role is to reflect that care through small, concrete acts of kindness and support, knowing that our efforts are part of a larger story of redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he defended [him]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠμύνατο1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 7:24
Seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him and avenged him who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian.
This verse shows the word in action as Moses intervenes to protect an oppressed Hebrew from physical harm.