κέντρον (G2759) — Greek Lexicon

κέντρον

kéntron

G2759 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A sharp point or goad; primarily refers to a pointed instrument used to prod animals (goad), or the stinger of an animal (such as a bee or scorpion). By extension, denotes the act of pricking or causing pain, whether physical (sting, prick), or metaphorically as a source of provocation, torment, or even death. In figurative contexts, can refer to the incitement of conscience or, metaphorically, the power or effect of something (e.g., the 'sting' of death).

Semantic Range

goad (for prodding animals), sharp point, sting (of animals or insects), pricking pain, figurative torment or provocation, metaphorical source of sharp effect (e.g., death's sting)

Root / Etymology

From the root κεντ-, which relates to piercing or pricking objects; connected to the verb κεντέω (to prick, to spur on, to goad). Cognate with Latin 'centrum' (the fixed point of a compass), though the sense in Greek is more often of something that pierces rather than a geometric center.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κέντρον refers to a physical goad used by herders to urge cattle forward or, less frequently, refers to the sting of venomous creatures. This basic sense carries into the Septuagint, but often acquires figurative meaning in philosophical and rhetorical contexts (e.g., pain, suffering, mental agitation). In Paul’s usage (1 Corinthians 15:55–56; Acts 26:14), it is used metaphorically: the 'sting of death' signifies the cause or painful effect of death (with possible allusion to Hosea 13:14, LXX), and the goad of conscience or divine prompting. English translations often obscure these metaphors by narrowing them to 'sting' or 'prick'; the original Greek allows for a broader range of physical and mental provocation. The sense of 'center' is a later, more mathematical development and is unrelated to NT usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (to prick); a point ("centre"), i.e. a sting (figuratively, poison) or goad (figuratively, divine impulse):--prick, sting.

Root Family

κέντρον (kentron) — sharp point, goad, sting, pricking instrument, spur

Root κεντρ- to prick, to goad, to sting, to spur

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2759-01`	κέντρα	kentra	`N ACC N PL`	goads	goads	goads	2
`G2759-02`	κέντρον	kentron	`N NOM N SG`	sting	the sting	sting	2

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2759-01`	Acts 26:14	κέντρα	kentra	`N ACC N PL`	goads	goads	goads
`G2759-02`	1 Corinthians 15:55	κέντρον	kentron	`N NOM N SG`	sting	the sting	sting
`G2759-02`	1 Corinthians 15:56	κέντρον	kentron	`N NOM N SG`	sting	the sting	sting
`G2759-01`	Revelation 9:10	κέντρα	kentra	`N ACC N PL`	stings	goads	stingers

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