Difference Between Two Greek Words for "Without"

Narrator: Chris Genthree
Duration: 1min
 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
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Question: What is the difference between ἄνευ and χωρὶς, as both mean “without”? D.
Answer: The first expresses privation or non-existence; the second only separation, or apartness. Thus on the one hand Matt. 10:2929Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (Matthew 10:29) denies the exclusion or non-existence of their Father’s care in the least thing; 1 Peter 3:11Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; (1 Peter 3:1) shows how unbelieving husbands may be won absolutely without the word by the pious conduct of saintly wives; and 4:9 would have hospitality quite without a murmur. On the other hand Matt. 13:3434All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: (Matthew 13:34) and Mark 4:3434But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. (Mark 4:34) only assert that apart from parable He spoke nothing then. So Matt. 14:2121And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children. (Matthew 14:21) and 15:38 may not deny the presence of women and children, as ἄνευ would, but do not count them. In John 1:3; 15:53All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (John 1:3)
5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. (John 15:5), χωρὶς alone suits: apart from Him did not anything come into being; apart from Him the disciples can produce no fruit. So Rom. 3:2121But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (Romans 3:21) does not negative the existence or importance of law, but shows that God’s righteousness is now manifested apart from law. In Rom. 4:66Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, (Romans 4:6) ἄνευ (privation) of works would never do, but χωρὶς apart from them.