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ἵππος

híppos

G2462 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A horse; an equine animal used for riding, draft, war, or ceremonial purposes. In Greek literature and Hellenistic usage, ἵππος refers foremost to the domesticated horse, but also extends to horses in military, ceremonial, or symbolic contexts.

Semantic Range

horse (domesticated equine), warhorse, cavalry mount, symbolic representation of speed, power, or martial presence, horse as part of chariot teams, horse in ceremonies or omens

Root / Etymology

The word derives from the root ἱππ-, which appears in Greek as early as Mycenaean Linear B texts (i-qo), directly associated with the horse. Cognate with other Indo-European terms for horse (compare Latin 'equus'), though the precise interrelation is debated. The ultimate etymology is thus Indo-European but specific derivation within Greek is straightforward.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἵππος primarily denotes the domesticated horse, vital in warfare, transport, and ceremonial display. The Mycenaean age documents its presence and importance. In the Septuagint, ἵππος most frequently translates the Hebrew סוּס (sus), often in battle contexts, denoting chariot and cavalry horses. In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, ἵππος could be used more broadly for both military and nonmilitary horses. In the New Testament, the word appears in apocalyptic imagery (e.g., Revelation), where horses represent military force, speed, or symbolic realities, but always in reference to the animal itself. Standard English translations ('horse') generally encompass the semantic range, though ancient readers would also attach military, aristocratic, and symbolic associations to the term. The word was also foundational in compounds (ἱππεύς 'horseman', Ἱπποκράτης, etc.), indicating the prominence of horses in Greek cultural, military, and mythological life.

Translation Consistency

primary "horse" 17 occurrences

ἵππος denotes the domesticated equine used for riding, draft, war, chariots, and symbolic contexts. The simple noun “horse” is the natural, common English equivalent that covers the typical senses (warhorse, mount, chariot horse, etc.). Plural and possessive forms can be produced by normal inflection rules.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; a horse:--horse.

Root Family

ἵππος (híppos) — horse, equine

Root ἱππ- horse, equine

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2462-02 ἵππων ippon N GEN M PL horses of horses horses 7
G2462-03 ἵππος ippos N NOM M SG horse horse horse 5
G2462-01 ἵπποις ippois N DAT M PL horses to horses horses 2
G2462-04 ἵππου ippou N GEN M SG horse of a horse horse 2
G2462-05 ἵππους ippous N ACC M PL horses horses horses 1

Occurrences in Scripture

17 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2462-02 James 3:3 ἵππων ippon N GEN M PL horses' of horses of horses
G2462-03 Revelation 6:2 ἵππος ippos N NOM M SG a horse horse horse
G2462-03 Revelation 6:4 ἵππος ippos N NOM M SG horse horse horse
G2462-03 Revelation 6:5 ἵππος ippos N NOM M SG horse horse horse
G2462-03 Revelation 6:8 ἵππος ippos N NOM M SG horse horse horse
G2462-01 Revelation 9:7 ἵπποις ippois N DAT M PL horses to horses to horses
G2462-02 Revelation 9:9 ἵππων ippon N GEN M PL of horses of horses of horses
G2462-05 Revelation 9:17 ἵππους ippous N ACC M PL horses horses horses
G2462-02 Revelation 9:17 ἵππων ippon N GEN M PL horses of horses horses
G2462-02 Revelation 9:19 ἵππων ippon N GEN M PL horses of horses horses
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