ΑΠΟΡΡΗΤΟΝ

Definition

The term ἀπόρρητον (to) is the substantivized neuter form of the adjective ἀπόρρητος, -on, which derives from the privative prefix ἀπό- and ῥητός ("spoken," from the verb ῥέω, "to speak, to flow"). Its literal meaning is "that which must not be spoken," or "that which has been forbidden to be spoken." In classical Greek, this word acquired various nuances, always centered on the core ideas of silence and secrecy.

In philosophy, particularly among the Pythagoreans, the "ἀπόρρητα δόγματα" (secret doctrines) were teachings transmitted only to a select circle of disciples who had sworn an oath of silence. This practice underscored the sanctity and potential danger of such knowledge, as well as the necessity of spiritual preparation before its revelation. The concept of ἀπόρρητον is thus closely linked to the idea of initiation and esoteric knowledge.

Beyond philosophy, the word was widely used in religious contexts, such as the Eleusinian Mysteries, where the "ἱερὰ ἀπόρρητα" (sacred secrets) were the holy rites and doctrines that were forbidden to be disclosed to the uninitiated, under threat of divine punishment. In the political and legal spheres, ἀπόρρητον referred to state secrets or information whose public disclosure would harm the public interest, thereby imposing confidentiality on those who possessed it.

The significance of ἀπόρρητον transcends a simple prohibition of speech; it often implies the very inadequacy of language to fully describe certain experiences or truths. Something can be ἀπόρρητον not only because it is forbidden, but also because it is ἄρρητον, i.e., beyond verbal expression, such as mystical experiences or higher philosophical insights.

Main Meanings

1. That which is forbidden to be spoken, a secret — The primary and most common meaning, referring to information that must remain concealed.
2. Sacred mystery, ritual secret — In the context of mystery cults, the holy doctrines and rites that were not permitted to be revealed to the uninitiated.
3. State secret, public secret — Information concerning the security or interests of the city-state, whose disclosure would be detrimental.
4. Ineffable, unspeakable — Something impossible to express in words due to its nature (e.g., divine experiences, higher truths).
5. Secret doctrines/teachings — Philosophical or religious principles transmitted only to a select circle of disciples.
6. Forbidden parts of the body — Euphemistically, the genitals or other body parts considered shameful to mention openly.

Word Family

ῥε-/ῥη- (root of the verb ῥέω, meaning "to speak, to flow")

The root ῥε-/ῥη- constitutes one of the oldest and most productive nuclei of the Greek language, possessing a dual meaning: on the one hand, "flow" (as of water), and on the other, "speech" or "declaration." This dual nature of the root has led to a rich family of words exploring concepts of expression, silence, voice, and movement. In the case of ἀπόρρητον, the meaning of speech and its prohibition is dominant, highlighting the value of the unspoken. Each member of the family develops an aspect of this fundamental root, from the simple word to complex rhetoric.

In Ancient Texts

The significance of ἀπόρρητον is illuminated by various ancient texts, highlighting its diverse usage.

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΑΠΟΡΡΗΤΟΝ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Oxford University Press, 9th ed., 1940.
• Plato — Phaedrus, Epistles.
• Plutarch — On Isis and Osiris.
• Iamblichus — On the Pythagorean Life.
• Burkert, W. — Lore and Science in Ancient Pythagoreanism. Harvard University Press, 1972.
• Kerényi, C. — Eleusis: Archetypal Image of Mother and Daughter. Princeton University Press, 1967.
• Diels, H., Kranz, W. — Die Fragmente der Vorsokratiker. Weidmannsche Buchhandlung, 1951.