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ἱδρώς

hidrṓs

G2402 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Perspiration, the fluid excreted through the skin as a result of exertion, emotional stress, or heat; specifically, bodily sweat. In extended or figurative use, it can refer to the physical symptoms of intense effort, anxiety, or agony.

Semantic Range

sweat, perspiration; the exudation of fluid from the skin due to exertion, heat, or emotional stress; (figurative or vivid contexts) symptom of physical or emotional strain

Root / Etymology

Formed from the root ἰδρ-, of uncertain further derivation; it is cognate with other Indo-European terms for sweat (cf. Latin sudor, Old English swāt), but its ultimate Greek origin is unclear.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἱδρώς is attested from classical Greek literature onward, always denoting literal 'sweat,' produced by the body as a reaction to physical or psychological factors. In the Hellenistic and Koine period, including the New Testament (e.g., Luke 22:44), it appears primarily in medical or vividly descriptive contexts, sometimes in connection with anguish or great effort. In Luke 22:44, the phrase 'his sweat became like drops of blood' employs ἱδρώς to emphasize extreme physical and emotional distress. English translations often simply render it 'sweat,' which accurately reflects the basic sense, though contextual nuance (physical effort vs. emotional agony) should be considered. There is no evidence that ἱδρώς carried metaphorical or technical meanings outside its reference to bodily perspiration in the period.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a strengthened form of a primary idos (sweat); perspiration:--sweat.

Root Family

ἱδρώς (hidrōs) — sweat, perspiration, exuded moisture

Root ἰδρ- to sweat, exude moisture

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2402-01 ἱδρὼς idros N NOM M SG sweat sweat sweat 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2402-01 Luke 22:44 ἱδρὼς idros N NOM M SG sweat sweat sweat
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