αὐθ-αίρετος G0830
of one's own accord, voluntary, self-chosen
An adjective meaning done of one's own free choice or voluntary initiative. Paul describes the Macedonians' generosity as being of their own accord (2 Corinthians 8:3, 17). The term combines 'self' and 'chosen,' emphasizing voluntary action rather than compulsion. Classical usage applied it to self-elected magistrates, voluntary service, or self-incurred consequences. Paul uses it positively for freely chosen generosity that exceeds external pressure.
Senses
1. sense 1 — Both occurrences in 2 Corinthians 8 commend voluntary generosity. In verse 3, the Macedonians gave beyond their ability 'of their own accord,' not under Paul's pressure. In verse 17, Titus went to Corinth 'of his own accord,' showing initiative. The term emphasizes the internal motivation and freedom characterizing genuine Christian giving and service. Cross-linguistic evidence shows 'of own accord/free will' renderings, with German 'freiwillig' (freely willing) capturing the voluntary essence. 2×
AR["بِاختِيارِهِ", "بِاختِيارِهِمْ"]·ben["স্বেচ্ছায়", "স্বেচ্ছায়,"]·DE["freiwillig"]·EN["of-his-own-accord", "of-their-own-accord"]·FR["de-soi-même"]·heb["מֵרְצוֹנָם", "מֵרְצוֹנוֹ"]·HI["स्वेच्छा-से"]·ID["dengan-sukarela"]·IT["di-propria-volonta"]·jav["kanthi-karep-piyambak"]·KO["자원으로"]·PT["voluntário", "voluntários"]·RU["добровольно"]·ES["por-propia-voluntad"]·SW["kwa-hiari-yake", "kwa-hiari-yao,"]·TR["kendi istekleriyle"]·urd["اپنی-خوشی-سے"]
Related Senses
H3548 1. priest, cultic officiant (750×)G5547 1. Christ, Messiah, Anointed One (540×)H5030 1. Prophet, divine spokesperson (317×)H5930a 1. burnt offering (sacrifice) (286×)H3881 1. Levites (priestly class) (283×)G4396 1. prophet, spokesperson of God (146×)H6944 1. sanctuary, holy place (129×)G0749 1. high priest, chief priest (123×)H6944 2. holiness, sacredness (abstract quality) (123×)G5330 1. Pharisee (99×)G4336 1. pray to God (86×)H6944 3. holy things, sacred offerings (plural) (86×)H3722a 1. make ritual atonement (Piel) (85×)H6912 1. bury (Qal active) (82×)H6419 1. pray (Hitpael) (80×)H6944 4. holiness (with possessive pronoun) (77×)H6942 1. sanctify, consecrate (Piel factitive) (76×)H2930a 1. Qal: be/become unclean (75×)H7819a 1. slaughter an animal (Qal active) (72×)H1486 1. lot (object cast for decisions) (71×)
BDB / Lexicon Reference
αὐθ-αίρετος, ον, self-chosen, self-elected, στρατηγοίRefs 5th c.BC+; στεφανηφόρος voluntary, i.e. undertaking the duty at one's own expense, Refs 2nd c.AD+. adverb -τωςRefs 1st c.AD+ __II by free choice, of one-self, NT+5th c.BC+; independent, free, εὐβουλίαRefs 5th c.BC+ __III of things, due to one's own choice, ὄλβοςRefs 5th c.BC+; usually of evils, self-incurred, πημοναίRefs 5th c.BC+;…