← G2786 G2788 →

κιβωτός

kibōtós

G2787 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A chest, box, or container with a lid; in biblical contexts, most notably refers to a large vessel such as Noah's ark (a structure for preservation from the flood) and the ark of the covenant (a sacred chest containing important cultic objects). More generally, denotes a case, chest, or coffin.

Semantic Range

box, chest, vessel for safekeeping, coffin, Noah's ark, ark of the covenant, sacred chest

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. The word does not have a clearly identified root in classical Greek. Some suggest a possible Semitic origin or relation to older Greek/Anatolian terms for containers, but no consensus exists.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κιβωτός denotes any chest or box, typically wooden, used to store valuables, documents, or other items. In the Septuagint (LXX), κιβωτός is employed to translate the Hebrew תֵּבָה (tevah) for Noah's ark (Genesis 6:14ff) and the Exodus infancy narrative (Moses' basket), and for the ark of the covenant (אֲרוֹן, 'aron). In these biblical usages, it describes both massive vessels (Noah's ark) and more compact, sacred objects (ark of the covenant). The New Testament uses κιβωτός mainly in reference to Noah's ark (Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20) and to the ark of the covenant (Hebrews 9:4; Revelation 11:19), usually emphasizing their function as containers—that is, receptacles for preservation or for sacred purposes. The traditional English translation 'ark' reflects Latin 'arca' and covers both senses; however, this can obscure the more general Greek meaning of a box or chest. The Greek term is not inherently 'sacred' or 'religious' but acquires special significance from biblical usage. Unlike other Greek words for vessel or box (e.g., λάρναξ, θήκη), κιβωτός is the standard biblical term for these narrative and cultic objects.

Translation Consistency

primary "chest" 3 occurrences

kibōtós primarily denotes a container or coffer; "chest" is the most natural, broadly applicable English noun that covers sacred arks as well as ordinary boxes/coffins. It reads naturally in all contexts while allowing context to specify "ark" when needed.

Alternatives (3 occurrences):
"ark" (3x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; a box, i.e. the sacred ark and that of Noah:--ark.

Root Family

κιβωτός (kibōtos) — box, chest, container

Root κιβωτ- box, chest, container

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2787-01 κιβωτόν kiboton N ACC F SG ark a chest ark 4
G2787-03 κιβωτοῦ kibotou N GEN F SG ark of the chest of the chest 1
G2787-02 κιβωτὸς kibotos N NOM F SG ark chest ark 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2787-01 Matthew 24:38 κιβωτόν kiboton N ACC F SG ark a chest ark
G2787-01 Luke 17:27 κιβωτόν kiboton N ACC F SG ark a chest ark
G2787-01 Hebrews 9:4 κιβωτὸν kiboton N ACC F SG ark a chest chest
G2787-01 Hebrews 11:7 κιβωτὸν kiboton N ACC F SG an ark a chest a chest
G2787-03 1 Peter 3:20 κιβωτοῦ kibotou N GEN F SG ark of the chest of the chest
G2787-02 Revelation 11:19 κιβωτὸς kibotos N NOM F SG ark chest ark
← G2786 Greek Lexicon G2788 →