ἀκρίς
akrís
G200 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of grasshopper-like insect, specifically locust, known for forming swarms and consuming vegetation; in Hellenistic and Koine contexts, primarily refers to the migratory locust species whose plagues were feared for their destructive power. In some cultural contexts, may refer more generally to edible locusts.
Semantic Range
locust (swarming grasshopper species); edible locust; destructive swarming insect (literal sense only)
Root / Etymology
From ἄκρον (summit, extremity, tip), referencing either the pointed shape of the insect's body or its habit of alighting on the tops of plants. The morphological connection is with ἄκρον, though the specific origin is debated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀκρίς designates locust insects (compare Latin 'locusta'). In the LXX, ἀκρίς is used to translate Hebrew אַרְבֶּה (arbeh), referring to the locust species known for devastating crops (Exod 10:4, Joel 1:4). In the New Testament (e.g., Matt 3:4; Mark 1:6), ἀκρίδες are noted as a component of John the Baptist's diet, reflecting the accepted practice of consuming locusts in many ancient Near Eastern and Greek contexts. The word never designates merely 'a grasshopper' in the ordinary sense but is reserved for the migratory, swarming variety. English translations usually render ἀκρίς as 'locust,' which faithfully captures the standard Greek usage. The term does not carry figurative, religious, or identity connotations. Literary usage in Greek outside biblical material sometimes employs ἀκρίς metaphorically for hordes or swarms, but this is not evidenced in the New Testament or LXX contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently from the same as ἄκρον; a locust (as pointed, or as lighting on the top of vegetation):--locust.
Root Family
ἀκρίς (akris) — tip, summit, extremity (root); swarming locust insect
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G200-02 |
ἀκρίδες | akrides | N NOM F PL |
locusts | locusts | 2 |
G200-01 |
ἀκρίδας | akridas | N ACC F PL |
locusts | locusts | 1 |
G200-03 |
ἀκρίδων | akridon | N GEN F PL |
of locusts | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G200-02 |
Matthew 3:4 | ἀκρίδες | akrides | N NOM F PL |
locusts | locusts |
G200-01 |
Mark 1:6 | ἀκρίδας | akridas | N ACC F PL |
locusts | locusts |
G200-02 |
Revelation 9:3 | ἀκρίδες | akrides | N NOM F PL |
locusts | |
G200-03 |
Revelation 9:7 | ἀκρίδων | akridon | N GEN F PL |
of locusts |