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ἴχνος

íchnos

G2487 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A mark, track, or footprint left by a living being that indicates their passage, commonly of humans or animals; by extension, figuratively a step, precedent, or pattern set for others to follow. In figurative usage, refers to an example or course of action established by a predecessor.

Semantic Range

track, trace, footprint, footstep, (figuratively) example, precedent, course of action, way of life, conduct, standard to be followed

Root / Etymology

From the root ἴχν-; related to the verb ἵκω (to come, to reach, rarely used in Koine), sharing an Indo-European root associated with movement or arrival. The relationship to ἥκω is by way of similar sound and sense in classical Greek, but ἴχνος itself directly refers to a physical mark or trace and is independently attested from early Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἴχνος occurs in both literal and metaphorical senses throughout ancient Greek literature. In classical Greek, it primarily denotes a physical footprint or track left by humans or animals (e.g., Homeric poetry, Herodotus). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the term maintains its literal meaning but also acquires a figurative sense, especially as an example or pattern—for instance, the course or conduct established by someone for others to follow. In the Septuagint and New Testament, ἴχνος is rare and usually appears in the plural or metaphorical contexts, signifying the 'steps' or 'example' that one should follow, particularly in ethical or moral imitation, rather than reference to a literal footprint. English translations that render it simply as 'step' may obscure its figurative sense as a pattern of behavior or precedent. The term is broader than mere physical motion—it can convey the idea of tracing the path or conduct of another, especially in imitation. Distinct from the more literal ποῦς (foot), and from terms such as ὁδός (way, path), since ἴχνος emphasizes the impression or trace left behind rather than the thing or place traversed.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (to arrive; compare ἥκω); a track (figuratively):--step.

Root Family

ἴχνος (ichnos) — track, footprint, trace, step

Root ἴχν- track, footprint, trace, step

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2487-01 ἴχνεσιν ichnesin N DAT N PL steps to footprints footprints 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2487-01 Romans 4:12 ἴχνεσιν ichnesin N DAT N PL footsteps to footprints to footprints
G2487-01 2 Corinthians 12:18 ἴχνεσιν ichnesin N DAT N PL steps to footprints footprints
G2487-01 1 Peter 2:21 ἴχνεσιν ichnesin N DAT N PL steps to footprints footprints
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