"pr. a starting point; means to accomplish an object; occasion, opportunity, Rom. 7:8, 11"
Definition and meaning
pr. a starting point; means to accomplish an object; occasion, opportunity, Rom. 7:8, 11
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀφορμή
Historical context
Paul wrote Romans from Corinth, one of the most important commercial cities in the empire. Rome had a Jewish population of around 50,000. The letter addresses real tensions between Jewish believers with centuries of Torah tradition and Gentile believers with no such background. Emperor Nero was on the throne. Within ten years he would execute both Paul and Peter.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of aphorme (G874) across the King James Bible.
But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
For we commend not ourselves again unto you, but give you occasion to glory on our behalf, that ye may have somewhat to answer them which glory in appearance, and not in heart.
But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully.
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Common questions
Strong's G874 (aphorme) is a Greek word that means: pr. a starting point; means to accomplish an object; occasion, opportunity, Rom. 7:8, 11 It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word aphorme (G874) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G874 is aphorme, a Greek word defined as: pr. a starting point; means to accomplish an object; occasion, opportunity, Rom. 7:8, 11. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
aphorme is a Greek word found in the New Testament.