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ἄμμος

ámmos

G285 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Sand; loose granular particles typically found along shores, riverbanks, deserts, or any place subject to erosion and deposit. The word primarily denotes the material composed of fine rock or mineral grains. In extended or figurative usage, it signifies an innumerable or incalculable quantity, often used to represent vastness or countlessness.

Semantic Range

sand, grains of sand, seashore, uncountable quantity, multitude, limitless number

Root / Etymology

Usually linked with ἅμα ('at once, together') due to possible sound similarity and the notion of accumulation, but ultimately the etymology is uncertain and it may be of pre-Greek or non-Indo-European origin.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ἄμμος is attested as the standard term for 'sand,' often used in descriptions of landscapes—especially seashores and riverbanks. In the Septuagint and New Testament, ἄμμος is both a literal term for sand and a common idiom for something countless or innumerable (e.g., 'as the sand of the sea'). This figurative use is rooted in earlier Semitic idioms (cf. Hebrew חוֹל, 'sand'), often used to describe overwhelming numbers—such as the descendants of Abraham. English translations typically render ἄμμος as 'sand,' but may obscure its idiomatic sense of 'innumerable multitude.' The term has no significant theological nuance but does frequently appear in rhetorical or poetic descriptions of abundance. It should not be confused with γῆ ('earth, ground') or ψάμμος (an older poetic synonym for sand).

Translation Consistency

primary "sand" 5 occurrences

The primary, literal meaning of ἄμμος is the material 'sand' (loose granular particles). 'Sand' is the natural, common English word that covers both the basic sense and can serve in figurative contexts (e.g., 'as numerous as the sand'), while remaining concise and consistent across all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

perhaps from ἅμα; sand (as heaped on the beach):--sand.

Root Family

ἄμμος (ammos) — sand, loose granular material, countless multitude

Root ἄμμ- sand, loose granular material, countless multitude

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G285-02 ἄμμος ammos N NOM F SG sand sand sand 3
G285-01 ἄμμον ammon N ACC F SG sand sand sand 2

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G285-01 Matthew 7:26 ἄμμον ammon N ACC F SG sand sand sand
G285-02 Romans 9:27 ἄμμος ammos N NOM F SG sand sand sand
G285-02 Hebrews 11:12 ἄμμος ammos N NOM F SG sand sand sand
G285-01 Revelation 12:18 ἄμμον ammon N ACC F SG sand sand sand
G285-02 Revelation 20:8 ἄμμος ammos N NOM F SG sand sand sand
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