ἱκμάς
hikmás
G2429 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Moisture, dampness — a general term for water in its liquid state as present in the atmosphere or soil, particularly as it contributes to fertility or growth. By extension, refers to the quality or condition of being moist, either in a literal (wet, damp) or figurative (fruit-bearing, productive) sense. In some contexts, may refer specifically to rainfall or to the sustaining wetness necessary for crops.
Semantic Range
moisture; dampness; wetness; condition of being moist or damp (in soil, air, or plants); potential for fertility or growth due to presence of moisture
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. Not clearly derived from a known Greek root or directly attested cognate. Appears to be a rare or poetic term in Hellenistic Greek, with possible connections to older or dialectal forms. No secure Semitic borrowing identified.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἱκμάς is a rare and somewhat poetic word in Greek, found primarily in literature concerned with agriculture or natural phenomena. In classical usage, it denotes the presence of moisture in the soil or air, which enables fruits and crops to grow. The term occurs in the Septuagint (Deut. 32:2, Joel 2:22) translating Hebrew לַחוּת (lahut, 'moisture'), emphasizing the fecundity of the land. In the New Testament period, the word would likely be recognized as referring to the vital, life-giving quality provided by rain or dew, but is not widely attested outside of the LXX. Standard English translations render it as 'moisture,' though the term may carry a more robust sense of natural fertility or productive wetness in its ancient use. Not interchangeable with more common words for water (ὕδωρ) or rain (ὑετός), but rather emphasizes moisture's role in sustenance and growth. Shows little semantic shift from classical to Koine periods due to its specialized, infrequent usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain affinity; dampness:--moisture.
Root Family
ἱκμάς (hikmas) — moisture, dampness, wetness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2429-01 |
ἰκμάδα | ikmada | N ACC F SG |
moisture | moisture | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2429-01 |
Luke 8:6 | ἰκμάδα | ikmada | N ACC F SG |
moisture | moisture |