ἀετός (G105) — Greek Lexicon

ἀετός

aetós

G105 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A large bird of prey, specifically an eagle, known for its size, keen vision, and powerful flight. In broader metaphorical or symbolic contexts, the term refers to qualities associated with the eagle—such as swiftness, strength, or lofty height. In some apocalyptic or visionary passages, the word is also used representationally (e.g., as a symbol in prophetic visions).

Semantic Range

eagle (literal bird), metaphor for strength or swiftness, heraldic or military standard (bearing eagle insignia), symbolic figure in visions or prophecies, representation of power or majesty

Root / Etymology

From ἀήρ ('air,' 'atmosphere'); ἀετός is likely derived in reference to the eagle's soaring or wind-borne flight. The association with 'air' highlights the eagle's capacity for flight and prominence in the sky. The root/stem is ἀετ-.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested from Homer onward, ἀετός consistently denotes an eagle, especially as a bird of prey characterized by might and speed. In classical Greek, it could also describe eagle-like standards or ensigns due to the bird's imperial associations (such as the Roman aquila). In the Septuagint, ἀετός translates several Hebrew terms for eagle or vulture (e.g., נֶשֶׁר), reflecting a sometimes flexible range between large birds of prey. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 24:28, Revelation 4:7, 8:13, 12:14), it appears both literally (the eagle as a bird) and symbolically (in visions and apocalyptic imagery). English translations generally render it as 'eagle,' but this may mask underlying symbolic or metaphorical usages present in the Greek context. Unlike γύψ, which denotes a vulture, ἀετός consistently refers to the eagle in Greek texts. The eagle was associated with strength, regality, and sometimes divine favor, which influenced its use as a metaphor and symbol.

Translation Consistency

primary "eagle" 5 occurrences

The lemma is a noun meaning the bird 'eagle.' 'Eagle' is the natural, concise English headword that covers the literal bird and the common metaphorical/symbolic senses (strength, swiftness, standard/insignia) and matches the attested renderings. Use the uninflected singular form for consistency across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as ἀήρ; an eagle (from its wind-like flight):--eagle.

Root Family

ἀετός (aetos) — eagle, large bird of prey

Root ἀετ- eagle, large bird of prey

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G105-02`	ἀετοί	aetoi	`N NOM M PL`	eagles	eagles	eagles	2
`G105-03`	ἀετοῦ	aetou	`N GEN M SG`	eagle	of an eagle	of an eagle	2
`G105-01`	ἀετῷ	aeto	`N DAT M SG`	an eagle	to an eagle	an eagle	1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G105-02`	Matthew 24:28	ἀετοί	aetoi	`N NOM M PL`	eagles	eagles	eagles
`G105-02`	Luke 17:37	ἀετοὶ	aetoi	`N NOM M PL`	eagles	eagles	eagles
`G105-01`	Revelation 4:7	ἀετῷ	aeto	`N DAT M SG`	an eagle	to an eagle	an eagle
`G105-03`	Revelation 8:13	ἀετοῦ	aetou	`N GEN M SG`	eagle's	of an eagle	of an eagle
`G105-03`	Revelation 12:14	ἀετοῦ	aetou	`N GEN M SG`	eagle	of an eagle	of an eagle

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