Quick Definition
severity
Strong's Definition
unsparingness, i.e. austerity (asceticism)
Derivation: from a compound of G1 (Α) (as a negative particle) and G5339 (φείδομαι);
KJV Usage: neglecting
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
ἀφειδίᾳ (ἀφειδεια Lachmann, see under the word εἰ, ἰ), ἀφειδιας, ἡ (the disposition of a man who is ἀφειδής, unsparing), unsparing severity: with the genitive of the object, τοῦ σώματος, Col_2:23 (τῶν σωμάτων ἀφείδειν, Lysias 2, 25 (193, 5); Diodorus 13, 60; 79 etc. (see Lightfoot on Colossians, the passage cited); in Plato, defin., p. 412 d. ἀφειδίᾳ means liberality).
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
ἀφειδία apheidia 1x
pr. the disposition of one who is ἀφειδής , unsparing; hence, in NT unsparingness in the way of rigorous treatment, non-indulgence, Col_2:23
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
* ἀφειδία ( L , -εία ), -ας , ἡ
( < ἀφειδής , unsparing );
1. extravagance .
2. unsparing treatment, severity: Col_2:23 .†
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
ἀφειδία [page 95]
For the adj. see OGIS 383 .142 (i/B.C.) ἐπιθύσεις ἀφειδεῖς λιβανωτοῦ καὶ ἀρωμάτων , and the fine epitaph of a Sergius, martyred under Galerius, Kaibel 1064 (Justinian), referring to the ἀφειδέες ἀγῶνες of the Empress. The adv. is found P Tebt I. 24 .76 (B C. 117) ἀφει [δ ]ω̣̑ς , Syll 342 .29 ( c. B.C. 48) ἀφειδῶς ἑαυτὸ [ν ἐπιδ ]ιδούς . For the verb see OGIS 640 .12 (iii/A.D.) οὐκ ὀλίγων ἀφειδήσαντα χρημάτων .
Liddell-Scott — Intermediate Greek Lexicon
ἀφειδία [Etym: From ἀφειδής] "profuseness", Plat. "harsh treatment, neglect", NTest.
STEPBible — Tyndale Abridged Greek Lexicon
ἀφειδία (L, -εία), -ας, ἡ
(ἀφειδής, unsparing);
__1. extravagance.
__2. unsparing treatment, severity: Col.2:23.†
(AS)