γόης
góēs
G1114 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A practitioner of magic or sorcery, one who claims the ability to manipulate supernatural powers, often through incantations, spells, or rituals. In some contexts, the word acquires a strongly negative connotation, conveying a sense of deceit or charlatanism. Broadly refers to an enchanter, sorcerer, magician, or one who incants magical formulas; also used, especially in later contexts, for someone seen as a pretender to supernatural powers or an impostor.
Semantic Range
magician, sorcerer, enchanter, one who uses incantations or spells, ritual mourner, conjurer, impostor (by extension), deceiver
Root / Etymology
From the root γοη-, cognate with γοάω (to wail or lament), originally possibly referring to the mournful chanting or vocalizations used in spells or lamentation rituals. The term developed a specialized sense for magical practitioners, especially those associated with incantatory practices.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, γόης originally referred to someone who engaged in ritual lamentation or chants, especially at funerals, often hired mourners. Over time, especially in Hellenistic and later usage, the term shifted toward the sense of 'magician' or 'sorcerer,' largely due to the association of chanting or incantation with magical arts. In the New Testament and wider Koine usage, the word is rare but carries predominantly negative overtones, implying fraudulence or imposture, in contrast to μάγος (magos), which could refer more neutrally to a wise person, astrologer, or magician. English Bible translations often use terms like 'sorcerer,' 'wizard,' or (negatively) 'imposter' for this word, but these can obscure the original association with incantational ritual and its evolution from ritual lament to magical practice. The term is not ethnically coded, and refers to practice rather than identity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (to wail); properly, a wizard (as muttering spells), i.e. (by implication) an imposter:--seducer.
Root Family
γόης (goēs) — to chant, to lament, to enchant; sorcerer, enchanter
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1114-01 |
γόητες | goetes | N NOM M PL |
impostors | chanting sorcerers | chanting sorcerers | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1114-01 |
2 Timothy 3:13 | γόητες | goetes | N NOM M PL |
impostors | chanting sorcerers | chanting sorcerers |