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βραχίων

brachíōn

G1023 noun

SILEX Entry

Root βραχιων- upper arm, arm, strength

Definition

The arm, particularly the upper arm (from shoulder to elbow). In extended or figurative use, denotes might, strength, or power—especially as manifest in action. In literary and scriptural contexts, can indicate the agency or force exerted by an individual, frequently employed metaphorically for power (divine or human).

Semantic Range

upper arm, arm (anatomical), power (figurative), might, agency, force, instrument of action (physical or metaphorical)

Root / Etymology

From the comparative form of βραχύς ('short'), suggesting 'shorter part,' i.e., the upper arm as opposed to the whole arm or hand. The comparativity with βραχύς reflects the distinction from the hand (χεῖρ) or entire limb.

Historical & Contextual Notes

βραχίων appears in classical Greek with the literal meaning 'upper arm.' In Hellenistic and Koine usage, particularly in the Septuagint and New Testament, it often acquires a figurative sense, symbolizing power or might—especially the effective or powerful action of a deity (e.g., 'the arm of the Lord' as an image of divine strength or deliverance). In these scriptural uses, it sometimes translates the Hebrew זְרוֹעַ (zeroaʿ), with similar metaphorical connotations. English versions may render the term literally ('arm'), but often the metaphorical resonance—emphasizing strength or agency—remains strong. While βραχίων can be contrasted with χείρ ('hand'), which stresses the hand as the agent of action, βραχίων typically focuses on the strength or force behind the action. The term is not limited to human anatomy, but broadens in literary and religious texts to refer to the effective might of a person or deity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

properly, comparative of βραχύς, but apparently in the sense of (to wield); the arm, i.e. (figuratively) strength:--arm.

Root Family

βραχίων (brachiōn) — upper arm, arm, strength, might

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1023-01 βραχίων brachion N NOM M SG arm upper arm 1
G1023-02 βραχίονι brachioni N DAT M SG His arm to the arm 1
G1023-03 βραχίονος brachionos N GEN M SG arm of the arm 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1023-02 Luke 1:51 βραχίονι brachioni N DAT M SG His arm to the arm
G1023-01 John 12:38 βραχίων brachion N NOM M SG arm upper arm
G1023-03 Acts 13:17 βραχίονος brachionos N GEN M SG arm of the arm
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