ἄτερ (ater)
ater
without
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek preposition āter means "without" or "apart from." It is a rare word in the New Testament, appearing only twice, both times in the Gospel of Luke (22:6 and 35). In classical Greek literature, it was more common, especially among poets, but its scarcity in the biblical text makes each occurrence stand out.
The term functions as a simple negation of presence or inclusion. When used with a genitive case, it excludes the noun from the situation being described. For example, in Luke 22:35, Jesus asks if his disciples lacked anything during their earlier missionary journeys, using āter to emphasize the absence of need or want. The word carries no emotional weight; it is a straightforward statement of fact.
Its etymology suggests a connection to other negative particles, though its exact roots are not fully detailed in standard lexicons. Translators typically render it as "without" or "besides," depending on the context. Because it appears so infrequently, it does not develop a complex theological nuance but serves as a clear, direct marker of exclusion or lack.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἄτερ simply means "without." It is a plain preposition used to mark absence or exclusion. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Luke’s Gospel. Its rarity makes each instance stand out clearly against the more common Greek words for lack.
In Luke 22:35, Jesus uses this word when recalling his earlier instructions to the disciples. He asks if they lacked anything while sent out without purse, bag, or sandals. The answer is a simple "Nothing." This shows that God’s provision does not always depend on our own resources or preparation.
When we face seasons where we feel unprepared or empty, this word reminds us of a quiet truth: absence of material things does not mean absence of divine care. You are held even when you have nothing to carry in your hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- without1×
- apart from1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄτερ2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 22:35
He said to them, “When I sent you out without purse, bag, and sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.”
Jesus uses ἄτερ to describe the disciples' initial mission as being sent out without purse, bag, or sandals, highlighting total dependence on God rather than personal resources.
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Luke 22:6
He consented and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.
The word appears here in the phrase 'in the absence of the multitude,' indicating Judas sought a moment when the crowd was not present to facilitate the arrest.