Luke 11:39

Greek ἁρπαγῆς = violent, forceful seizure. Consider how certain historical biases might avoid this word and its inherent meaning. This it not the normal word used for "robbers" (λῃστής) which occurs 15 times in the NT. This word is specific to violent, forceful taking.

Etymology and Core Sense:

• ἁρπαγή comes from ἁρπάζω (to seize, snatch, carry off by force).

• Its primary meaning is “violent taking,” which can be:

  • of persons (abduction, including of women for marriage or violation),

  • of property (plunder, robbery),

  • or metaphorical (moral rapacity or greed).

In early Greek usage, especially in myth, rape was understood as abduction, often with implied or actual sexual violation, though the texts may not always depict or describe the sexual act explicitly.

Examples:

• The “Rape” of Helen (ἁρπαγὴ Ἑλένης):
  Her abduction by Paris is called a ἁρπαγή in Herodotus and Euripides.

• Aeschylus, Agamemnon 534:
  ὀφλὼν ἁρπαγῆς δίκην — “having incurred the penalty for rape”
  → Here, ἁρπαγή clearly denotes sexual violation, framed as a legal charge.

• Herodotus 1.2:
  αἰτεῖν δίκας τῆς ἁρπαγῆς — “to demand justice for the seizure”
  → In reference to abducted women (Io, Europa, Medea), this implies sexual violation and/or marriage by force.

Fragment 4 of Solon’s poetry, which is part of his body of work as an ancient Athenian statesman and poet contains one of the first explicit uses of this word in a legal context. Solon is known for his reforms in the 6th century BCE, and many of his works, particularly his poems, deal with laws, morality, and justice.

The specific fragment Sol. 4.13 is part of his “Elegies”, where Solon addresses moral issues, the rule of law, and the behavior of citizens in Athens. It is generally considered to deal with the importance of justice and punishment for wrongdoing, although it does not necessarily have a modern equivalent in terms of written legal codes, but reflects Solon’s thoughts on ethics and crime.

In Solon 4.13, the line ὀφλὼν ἁρπαγῆς δίκην suggests that someone who has committed the crime of ἁρπαγή (rape or abduction) should be judged and held accountable, which is in line with Solon’s reforms that sought to codify moral and legal behavior. The word ἁρπαγή here has its broader meaning of violent taking, including both rape and abduction, emphasizing that such an offense should not be tolerated and that justice must be served.

The concept of rape or abduction of women as a serious offense certainly existed at least 600 years BCE, and Solon's writings reflect this. In his laws and moral teachings, he addresses the abduction of women, which could include both literal kidnapping and rape. The term ἁρπαγή (often translated as seizure, pillage, or abduction) in Solon 4.13 is indicative of a broader moral and legal framework in which actions like rape or forced abduction were condemned and punishable.

It is significant that by this time, in ancient Greece, the rape or abduction of women was seen not only as a personal violation but also as an offense that threatened the social and legal order. Solon, as a legislator, was concerned with the proper conduct of citizens and with upholding justice, which included dealing with crimes against women, including their abduction or sexual violation.

While the specific terminology for rape (as we understand it today) wasn't yet as clearly defined in ancient Greek law, the moral and legal concept of sexual violence and abduction was well-established by the 6th century BCE, and Solon’s code contributed to the evolution of legal principles surrounding such crimes.

In fact, even in earlier texts, like Homer’s epics (8th century BCE), the abduction of women—such as the abduction of Helen by Paris in the Iliad—was central to the plot and framed as a serious violation of social and familial order. However, it is in the 6th century with lawmakers like Solon that we start to see a more formalized, legal treatment of such crimes.

(cf. Logeion LSJ, Bailley, DGE)