κηρίον
kēríon
G2781
SILEX Entry
Definition
A small piece or structure of beeswax, especially a section of a honeycomb; in broader usage, the honeycomb itself, including the wax structure and the honey contained within. In collective sense, refers to the mass or structure composed of hexagonal cells made by bees to store honey or larvae.
Semantic Range
small piece of wax, piece of honeycomb, honeycomb structure, section of honeycomb
Root / Etymology
Diminutive form of κηρός (kēros, 'wax'), thus literally 'little wax' or 'waxen thing.' The suffix -ιον indicates a smaller or diminutive form in Greek. Not derived from another language.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, κηρίον primarily denotes a small piece or part of something made of wax, but came to specifically refer to the honeycomb—likely because of its physical character as wax constructed by bees. In the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Luke 24:42), κηρίον is used for the honeycomb either as a small, edible portion or as a reference to the comb structure itself. Unlike many modern translations, which often simply say 'honeycomb,' the Greek term emphasizes both the material (wax) and the structure (cells filled with honey). The diminutive nuance ('little wax') is frequently lost in translation. There is no significant shift in meaning over time; it remains closely tied to its physical referent without taking on metaphorical senses. Other Greek terms, such as μέλι (meli, 'honey'), refer to the substance, while κηρίον refers to the honeycomb structure inclusive of the wax and sometimes honey.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
diminutive from (wax); a cell for honey, i.e. (collectively) the comb:--(honey-)comb.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.