θηρίον
thēríon
G2342 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A non-domesticated animal, typically a wild beast; in particular, a creature regarded as dangerous or untamed, especially large animals that may threaten humans. More broadly, used metaphorically to describe entities or systems that are fierce, savage, or predatory.
Semantic Range
wild animal, untamed beast, dangerous creature, predatory animal, metaphorical reference to savage or predatory entities; symbol for hostile powers in apocalyptic contexts
Root / Etymology
Diminutive form of θήρ (thēr, 'wild animal, beast'), itself of uncertain but non-Indo-European origin; θηρίον literally means 'little beast' but frequently refers to beasts in general regardless of size.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, θηρίον was used as the diminutive of θήρ, denoting a small wild animal, but rapidly generalized to any animal considered fierce, dangerous, or untamed, regardless of actual size. The term occurs in literature as early as Herodotus and is common in both secular and Hellenistic Jewish Greek. In the Septuagint, θηρίον is often used to translate Hebrew terms for wild animals, frequently those considered unclean or dangerous (e.g., beasts of prey). In the New Testament (e.g., Mark 1:13, Revelation), θηρίον typically refers to wild animals or, in apocalyptic literature, symbolically to powerful, dangerous entities or empires—though always with a connotation of untamed ferocity. Early Christian literature adopted the term in both literal (arena beasts) and metaphorical senses. Standard English translations as 'beast' or 'wild animal' are generally accurate, though sometimes miss the diminutive or metaphorical nuance. The term does not automatically imply 'venomous' or 'unclean' unless clarified by context; its primary feature is wildness and potential danger to humans.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
diminutive from the same as θήρα; a dangerous animal:--(venomous, wild) beast.
Root Family
θηρίον (thērion) — wild animal, beast, fierce creature
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2342-03 |
θηρίων | therion | N GEN N PL |
beast | of wild beasts | 22 |
G2342-04 |
θηρίου | theriou | N GEN N SG |
beast | of a wild beast | 15 |
G2342-02 |
θηρίῳ | therio | N DAT N SG |
beast | to a wild beast | 6 |
G2342-01 |
θηρία | theria | N ACC N PL |
beasts | wild beasts | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
45 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2342-03 |
Mark 1:13 | θηρίων | therion | N GEN N PL |
wild beasts | of wild beasts |
G2342-01 |
Acts 11:6 | θηρία | theria | N ACC N PL |
wild beasts | wild beasts |
G2342-03 |
Acts 28:4 | θηρίον | therion | N ACC N SG |
creature | of wild beasts |
G2342-03 |
Acts 28:5 | θηρίον | therion | N ACC N SG |
creature | of wild beasts |
G2342-01 |
Titus 1:12 | θηρία | theria | N NOM N PL |
beasts | wild beasts |
G2342-03 |
Hebrews 12:20 | θηρίον | therion | N NOM N SG |
beast | of wild beasts |
G2342-03 |
James 3:7 | θηρίων | therion | N GEN N PL |
of beasts | of wild beasts |
G2342-03 |
Revelation 6:8 | θηρίων | therion | N GEN N PL |
of wild beasts | |
G2342-03 |
Revelation 11:7 | θηρίον | therion | N NOM N SG |
of wild beasts | |
G2342-03 |
Revelation 13:1 | θηρίον | therion | N ACC N SG |
of wild beasts |