Original Word: ἄρα
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: ara
Pronunciation: AH-rah
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-ah')
Definition: then, therefore, so, consequently
Meaning: a prayer; more commonly: a prayer for evil, a curse, imprecation.

curse.

Probably from airo; properly, prayer (as lifted to Heaven), i.e. (by implication) imprecation -- curse.

see GREEK airo

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a prayer, curse
NASB Translation
cursing (1).

STRONGS NT 685: ἄρα (3)

ἄρα (3), ἄρας, ἡ,

1. a prayer; a supplication; much more often

2. an imprecation, curse, malediction (cf. κατάρα); so in Romans 3:14 (cf. Psalm 9:28 ()), and often in the Sept. (In both senses in native Greek writings from Homer down.)

Word Origin: A primary particle

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for the Greek particle ἄρα, similar inferential or consequential particles in Hebrew include לָכֵן (lakhen, Strong's Hebrew 3651) and עַל־כֵּן (al-ken, Strong's Hebrew 5921), which are often translated as "therefore" or "thus" in English. These particles serve a similar function in Hebrew, indicating a conclusion or result based on prior statements.

Usage: The particle ἄρα is employed in the New Testament to draw logical conclusions or to indicate a result or consequence. It is often used in argumentative or explanatory contexts to connect statements or ideas.

Context: The Greek particle ἄρα appears in the New Testament as a tool for logical reasoning and deduction. It serves to connect thoughts, drawing conclusions from previously stated premises. This particle is integral in the construction of arguments, particularly in the epistles where theological and doctrinal points are being made.

For example, in Romans 7:25, Paul uses ἄρα to conclude his discussion on the struggle between the law of God and the law of sin: "Thanks be to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then (ἄρα), with my mind I serve the law of God, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin." Here, ἄρα introduces the conclusion of his argument about the dual nature of service to God's law and the law of sin.

Similarly, in Galatians 6:10, Paul uses ἄρα to encourage believers to do good: "Therefore (ἄρα), as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." The particle here emphasizes the logical outcome of the preceding exhortation to sow to the Spirit.

The use of ἄρα is not limited to theological discourse but also appears in narrative contexts to indicate the result of an action or event. Its presence in the text often signals a shift from explanation to application, guiding the reader to understand the implications of the preceding statements.

αρά άρα αραί αραίς αράν αρας αράς ἀρᾶς aras arâsInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts