εἰρηνικός
eirēnikós
G1516 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
pertaining to or characterized by peace; disposed toward peace, peaceable in demeanor or effect. May also denote that which promotes peaceful relations or a state of tranquility. In context, can refer to persons (peace-loving, non-quarrelsome), actions (fostering peace), or atmospheres (tranquil, undisturbed).
Semantic Range
pertaining to peace, disposed toward peace, peace-loving, conducive to peace, peaceful in effect, non-contentious, tranquil, fostering concord
Root / Etymology
From εἰρήνη (eirēnē, 'peace') with the adjectival suffix -ικός, forming words that mean 'pertaining to' or 'characterized by' the stem to which it is attached.
Historical & Contextual Notes
εἰρηνικός appears infrequently in extant Greek literature, but when used, it primarily describes persons or things inclined toward peacefulness or conducive to peace. In the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 12:11, James 3:17), it describes the character of righteousness or wisdom that produces or results in peace. In Hellenistic and philosophical texts, εἰρηνικός contrasts with πολεμικός ('warlike'), designating a non-contentious or conciliatory disposition. The English peaceable best approximates the meaning, though historical interpretations sometimes broadened it to 'salutary' or 'beneficial,' reflecting the perceived beneficial nature of peace. In Septuagintal and New Testament usage, the term does not bear specific religious or sectarian nuance but reflects a general ethical or practical orientation toward concord.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εἰρήνη; pacific; by implication, salutary:--peaceable.
Root Family
εἰρηνικός (eirēnikos) — peace, tranquility, concord
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1516-02 |
εἰρηνικὸν | eirenikon | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
peaceful | peaceful | peaceful | 1 |
G1516-01 |
εἰρηνική | eirenike | ADJ.S NOM F SG |
peaceable | peaceable | peaceable | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1516-02 |
Hebrews 12:11 | εἰρηνικὸν | eirenikon | ADJ.A ACC M SG |
peaceful | peaceful | peaceful |
G1516-01 |
James 3:17 | εἰρηνική | eirenike | ADJ.S NOM F SG |
peaceable | peaceable | peaceable |