γλυκύς
glykýs
G1099 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Primarily 'sweet' in taste, characterized by a pleasant or agreeable flavor, especially in contrast to what is bitter, salty, or sour. By extension, may also describe fragrance or anything delightful to the senses; infrequently, can denote something figuratively pleasant or charming.
Semantic Range
sweet (of taste), sweet (of fragrance or sound), pleasant, agreeable, charming
Root / Etymology
Probably related to the root γλυκ-; see also γλυκύτης (sweetness). The precise Indo-European origin is debated, but parallels exist with Latin dulcis and English 'sweet.' The word is of native Greek formation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
γλυκύς is attested in classical Greek (Homer onwards) in literal and occasional metaphorical senses. Its primary reference is gustatory (taste), for substances like honey, wine, or water that are sweet or pleasant as opposed to bitter (πικρός) or salty (ἁλμυρός). In literary contexts, it sometimes refers metaphorically to experiences or emotions regarded as pleasant or agreeable. In the Koine period, including in the Septuagint and New Testament, its use is rare but retains this core sense. Translationally, 'sweet' is historically standard, yet in some English contexts 'pleasant' or 'agreeable' might better express its broader referential range, especially when used figuratively in ancient sources. The ancient noun counterpart γλυκύτης means 'sweetness.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain affinity; sweet (i.e. not bitter nor salt):--sweet, fresh.
Root Family
γλυκύς (glykys) — sweet, pleasant
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1099-01 |
γλυκὺ | gluku | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
sweet | sweet thing | sweet | 4 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1099-01 |
James 3:11 | γλυκὺ | gluku | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
sweet | sweet thing | sweet thing |
G1099-01 |
James 3:12 | γλυκὺ | gluku | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
fresh | sweet thing | sweet thing |
G1099-01 |
Revelation 10:9 | γλυκὺ | gluku | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
sweet | sweet thing | sweet |
G1099-01 |
Revelation 10:10 | γλυκύ | gluku | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
sweet | sweet thing | sweet |