γραώδης
graṓdēs
G1126 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having the characteristics or qualities associated with an old woman; resembling or befitting an elderly woman, especially as used pejoratively to describe something as foolish, superstitious, or trivial. The primary lexical meaning is 'resembling an old woman.' In extended usage, it connotes something 'silly, trifling, or not to be taken seriously,' often in the context of stories, tales, or myths considered unworthy of credible attention.
Semantic Range
resembling an old woman, characteristic of an old woman, silly, trifling, foolish (as in 'old wives' tales')
Root / Etymology
Adjective formed from γραῦς ('old woman') and the adjectival suffix -ώδης, meaning 'like' or 'resembling.' Thus, γραώδης literally means 'old-woman-like.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word γραώδης is rare in Greek literature and appears in the New Testament in 1 Timothy 4:7 in the phrase γραώδεις μύθους ('old wives' tales'), where it refers to myths or stories considered foolish or lacking credibility. The usage is pejorative, indicating that the content should not be given weight. The application of 'graṓdēs' does not imply a general attitude toward elderly women, but reflects a cultural stereotype concerning the reliability of 'old wives' tales.' English translations like 'old wives’ fables' or 'silly myths' sometimes lose the specific cultural nuance of the Greek word. In the wider Hellenistic context, similar pejorative uses for traits associated with women or the elderly appear in other adjectives with -ώδης. There is little evidence for use outside of late Koine or Christian texts, and the term reflects Greek literary stereotypes rather than a substantive category of folklore.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (an old woman) and εἶδος; crone-like, i.e. silly:--old wives'.
Root Family
γραώδης (graṓdēs) — old woman, resembling, old-woman-like, silly, trifling
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1126-01 |
γραώδεις | graodeis | ADJ.A ACC M PL |
old wives' | old-woman-like (masculine accusative plural) | old-woman-like | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1126-01 |
1 Timothy 4:7 | γραώδεις | graodeis | ADJ.A ACC M PL |
old wives' | old-woman-like (masculine accusative plural) | old-woman-like |