ἀφορμή
aphormē
opportunity
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἀφορμή (aphormē) is defined as an "opportunity." In its 7 occurrences in the Bible, this term highlights a moment or situation that allows for a specific action or decision to be taken. Aphormē is not a circumstance in and of itself, but rather a doorway to potential consequences. The use of aphormē in the Bible is diverse, appearing in contexts as varied as personal growth (e.g., spiritual growth) and physical challenges (e.g., facing persecution). It suggests that opportunities can manifest in both positive and negative ways. In every instance, the focus is on the potential outcomes of seizing or ignoring the opportunity presented. Aphormē implies that people have agency in responding to given situations, and their decisions can lead to either progress or setbacks. The significance of this concept lies in its emphasis on the importance of seizing or taking advantage of opportunities as they arise, suggesting that personal growth and outcomes depend heavily on an individual's response to the situations they encounter.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
7 total occurrences across the text
But sin, finding occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. For apart from the law, sin is dead.
Romans 7:11for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me.
2 Corinthians 5:12For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart.
2 Corinthians 11:12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from those who desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.
2 Corinthians 11:12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from those who desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.
Galatians 5:13For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
1 Timothy 5:14I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting.