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ἔπος

épos

G2031 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A word, utterance, or saying—primarily a spoken word; more elevated or formal than the regular term for 'word' (λόγος). In classical and poetic usage, ἔπος is often used for a significant statement, declaration, or narrative utterance. By extension, it can also denote a story, epic verse, or proverbial saying, particularly in literary contexts.

Semantic Range

word, utterance, formal or elevated saying, epic verse or line, story, narrative statement, proverb

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root ἔπω (to speak, to say), ultimately related to the Proto-Indo-European *wekw-, 'to speak'. The form ἔπος is a nominal derivative signifying 'that which is spoken'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Homeric and classical Greek, ἔπος is frequently found in contrast with ἔργον ('deed'), as in the idiomatic phrase 'words and deeds' (ἔπεα καὶ ἔργα), underscoring the distinction between spoken and enacted actions. While in early poetry (esp. Homer), ἔπος can refer to an utterance or speech in general, it also developed the technical meaning of a line of epic poetry, hence 'epic poem' or 'epic verse.' In later Greek and in the Septuagint, its use narrows, often denoting a formal or weighty utterance—sometimes translated as 'saying' or 'proverb.' In the New Testament, ἔπος appears rarely and typically retains its classical sense of a significant utterance, as distinguished from more common terms for 'word' (λόγος, ῥῆμα). English translations usually render it as 'word' or 'saying,' but these sometimes do not convey its elevated or formal connotation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἔπω; a word:--X say.

Root Family

ἔπος (epos) — spoken word, utterance, formal saying, narrative statement

Root ἔπ- to speak, to say

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2031-01 ἔπος epos N ACC N SG a word a spoken utterance a spoken utterance 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2031-01 Hebrews 7:9 ἔπος epos N ACC N SG a word a spoken utterance a spoken utterance
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