ἀμπελών
ampelṓn
G290 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A tract or plot of land planted with grapevines for the purpose of cultivating grapes, particularly a vineyard; by extension, any cultivated vineyard estate. The term refers to the physical area set aside for the planting and management of grapevines, with possible implication of agricultural activity, productivity, and ownership. Contextually, it may also include reference to the management, work, or produce of the vineyard, and at times can function metaphorically to represent a nation, people, or area under cultivation or care.
Semantic Range
vineyard (literal cultivated area of grapevines), vineyard (estate or property), vineyard as symbol (representing a people, nation, or community under care or cultivation), property producing grapes, metonymically the produce or yield of the vineyard
Root / Etymology
From ἄμπελος (ampelos, 'vine') with the locative suffix -ών, denoting a place characterized by the referenced plant; hence, 'place of vines' or 'vineyard.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἀμπελών is attested in earlier Greek (Classical, Hellenistic) as well as in the Septuagint and New Testament, usually denoting a literal vineyard, a significant feature of Mediterranean agricultural life. In Koine Greek, especially the LXX and NT, vineyards are often settings for legal, social, and religious parables or teachings, symbolizing prosperity, responsibility, or divine care. Notably, in Septuagint usage and Jewish literary tradition, the vineyard could serve as a metaphor for the people of Israel or for divine stewardship (cf. Isa 5:1–7). Unlike the English term 'vineyard,' which may sometimes connote only the grapevines themselves, ἀμπελών commonly refers to the entire cultivated property, including buildings, walls, and infrastructure. This term should be distinguished from ἀμπέλιος, a rare term relating more abstractly to things made from vines or pertaining to vines. Standard English translations as 'vineyard' are generally accurate but do not always capture the broader cultural and symbolic associations present in ancient contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἄμπελος; a vineyard:--vineyard.
Root Family
ἀμπελών (ampelōn) — vine, grapevine, vineyard
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G290-01 |
ἀμπελῶνα | ampelona | N ACC M SG |
a vineyard | vineyard | 11 |
G290-03 |
ἀμπελῶνος | ampelonos | N GEN M SG |
vineyard | of a vineyard | 10 |
G290-02 |
ἀμπελῶνι | ampeloni | N DAT M SG |
vineyard | to a vineyard | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
23 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G290-01 |
Matthew 20:1 | ἀμπελῶνα | ampelona | N ACC M SG |
vineyard | |
G290-01 |
Matthew 20:2 | ἀμπελῶνα | ampelona | N ACC M SG |
vineyard | |
G290-01 |
Matthew 20:4 | ἀμπελῶνα | ampelona | N ACC M SG |
vineyard | |
G290-01 |
Matthew 20:7 | ἀμπελῶνα | ampelona | N ACC M SG |
vineyard | |
G290-03 |
Matthew 20:8 | ἀμπελῶνος | ampelonos | N GEN M SG |
of a vineyard | |
G290-02 |
Matthew 21:28 | ἀμπελῶνι | ampeloni | N DAT M SG |
to a vineyard | |
G290-01 |
Matthew 21:33 | ἀμπελῶνα | ampelona | N ACC M SG |
vineyard | |
G290-03 |
Matthew 21:39 | ἀμπελῶνος | ampelonos | N GEN M SG |
of a vineyard | |
G290-03 |
Matthew 21:40 | ἀμπελῶνος | ampelonos | N GEN M SG |
of a vineyard | |
G290-01 |
Matthew 21:41 | ἀμπελῶνα | ampelona | N ACC M SG |
vineyard |