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Κεδρών

Kedrṓn

G2748 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A proper noun designating the Kidron, typically referring to the Kidron Valley—a ravine or seasonal brook east of Jerusalem, lying between the city and the Mount of Olives. In Hellenistic and early Roman contexts, Κεδρών is used as a geographic term denoting the valley or its associated watercourse, without connotations beyond its specific topographical identity. It serves to locate events or boundaries associated with Jerusalem.

Semantic Range

the Kidron Valley, the brook or ravine called Kidron near Jerusalem, topographical designation east of Jerusalem, no extended or figurative sense attested

Root / Etymology

Borrowed from Hebrew קִדְרוֹן (Qiḏrôn), likely meaning 'dark' or 'dusky,' descriptive of the valley's appearance or its shaded, deep quality. The Greek form represents a transliteration of the Hebrew place name.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Κεδρών appears in Greek Jewish and Christian literature as the equivalent of the Hebrew Kidron, most notably in the Septuagint and the New Testament (e.g., John 18:1). In the Greek Bible, it functions strictly as a toponym and not as a common noun or as a metaphorical expression. In the Septuagint and Josephus, the name situates readers geographically in relation to Jerusalem. English translations frequently use 'Cedron,' reflecting the Greek form, but the underlying reference is the same valley known as Kidron. The word does not denote a river with perennial flow, but a wadi—a seasonal stream that might be dry much of the year. No wider figurative or religious sense is attested in Koine Greek sources. The Hebrew term itself appears in the Hebrew Bible (e.g., 2 Samuel 15:23), with identical topographical meaning. There is no evidence the Greek usage expanded beyond this specific site in antiquity.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Hebrew origin (קִדְרוֹן); Cedron (i.e. Kidron), a brook near Jerusalem:--Cedron.

Root Family

Κεδρών (Kedrōn) — Kidron, designated valley or brook east of Jerusalem

Root Κεδρ- to name, to designate (as a place)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2748-01 Κεδρὼν kedron N GEN M SG Kidron of the Kidron Valley Kedron 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2748-01 John 18:1 Κεδρὼν kedron N GEN M SG Kidron of the Kidron Valley Kedron
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