δυσμή
dysmḗ
G1424 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The act or process of setting, especially with reference to celestial bodies like the sun; by extension, the point or region where the sun sets—commonly west or western horizon. In broader contexts, can denote decline or ending as metaphorical extensions of 'setting.'
Semantic Range
setting (of sun or stars), the act of sinking or decline, west, western direction or region, sunset, metaphorical ending
Root / Etymology
From the root δύνω (to enter, sink, set [of the sun]); δυσμή is the feminine noun form signifying 'setting.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In earlier Greek (Homeric, Classical), δυσμή denoted the setting of the sun or celestial bodies, and by metonymy, the western point or direction. In Hellenistic and Koine usage (including the Septuagint and New Testament), the term frequently designates the cardinal direction 'west,' especially in geographical or astronomical descriptions. As in traditional translations, it is often rendered 'west' or 'western region,' yet this is a functional rather than literal translation: the word’s primary sense is always 'setting.' Use of 'dysmē' to signify the end or decline is rare in the Koine period, but attested in poetic or philosophical contexts. The cognate ἀνατολή (anatolē) serves as the counterpart for 'rising' (of the sun) and 'east.' English translations that substitute 'west' for δυσμή simplify its original imagery drawn from celestial motion.
Translation Consistency
Most occurrences render δυσμή as a geographic/horizon term (4 of 5), and 'west' is the natural, idiomatic English word for the point/region where the sun sets. It cleanly covers ‘western’/‘western horizon’ uses and is the simplest consistent choice for all forms; rarer metaphorical senses (decline, sunset) can be handled contextually.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from δύνω; the sun-set, i.e. (by implication) the western region:--west.
Root Family
δυσμή (dysmē) — setting, sinking, going down (of the sun), west
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1424-01 |
δυσμῶν | dusmon | N GEN F PL |
west | of settings | of wests | 5 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1424-01 |
Matthew 8:11 | δυσμῶν | dusmon | N GEN F PL |
west | of settings | of wests |
G1424-01 |
Matthew 24:27 | δυσμῶν | dusmon | N GEN F PL |
west | of settings | of wests |
G1424-01 |
Luke 12:54 | δυσμῶν | dusmon | N GEN F PL |
the west | of settings | of wests |
G1424-01 |
Luke 13:29 | δυσμῶν | dusmon | N GEN F PL |
west | of settings | of wests |
G1424-01 |
Revelation 21:13 | δυσμῶν | dusmon | N GEN F PL |
the west | of settings | of wests |