κείρω
keírō
G2751 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cut or remove hair, wool, or fleece by clipping or shearing; most frequently refers to the action of shearing sheep, but can also apply to cutting human hair or cutting short vegetation in specific contexts. The primary sense is the act of cutting off with a sharp instrument in a deliberate and thorough way.
Semantic Range
to shear (wool, sheep); to cut (hair, fur); to crop close (vegetation); to remove by cutting (hair or wool); to practice shearing as a trade or action
Root / Etymology
Root is κείρ-; an ancient Greek verb, attested in both Homeric and classical sources. No clear derivation from another term—considered a primary Greek verb. Etymology linked to similar Indo-European roots involving cutting, though the precise origin is debated.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek usage, κείρω is commonly used for the shearing of sheep and to a lesser extent for human hair-cutting or tonsure. In the LXX and New Testament, κείρω appears rarely and usually concerns the shearing of sheep (see Acts 8:32). The sense of cutting hair can imply ritual or social significance (e.g., cultic practices, mourning customs, or change of status), but the verb itself is neutral as to motivation or context; it simply describes the physical act. English translations often supply 'to shear' or 'to cut (hair, wool).' The noun forms (κείρατα, etc.) and participial forms may refer to persons engaged in shearing. Compared to related terms, κουρεύω (koureúō) more specifically means 'to shave,' especially human hair. The Latin equivalent is 'tondeo.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
a primary verb; to shear:--shear(-er).
Root Family
κείρω (keirō) — to cut, to shear, to clip
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2751-01 |
κειράμενος | keiramenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
having shorn | having shorn for himself | having shorn his hair | 1 |
G2751-04 |
κειράσθω | keirastho | V AOR MID IMP 3P SG |
let her be shorn | let her shear herself | let her shear herself | 1 |
G2751-03 |
κείρασθαι | keirasthai | V AOR MID INF |
to be shorn | to shear oneself | to shear herself | 1 |
G2751-02 |
κείραντος | keirantos | V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M SG |
shearer | of the one who sheared | shearer | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2751-02 |
Acts 8:32 | κείραντος | keirantos | V AOR ACT PTCP GEN M SG |
shearer | of the one who sheared | shearer |
G2751-01 |
Acts 18:18 | κειράμενος | keiramenos | V AOR MID PTCP NOM M SG |
having shorn | having shorn for himself | having shorn his hair |
G2751-04 |
1 Corinthians 11:6 | κειράσθω | keirastho | V AOR MID IMP 3P SG |
let her be shorn | let her shear herself | let her shear herself |
G2751-03 |
1 Corinthians 11:6 | κείρασθαι | keirasthai | V AOR MID INF |
to be shorn | to shear oneself | to shear herself |