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κρημνός

krēmnós

G2911 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A steep cliff, precipice, or overhanging slope; primarily refers to an abrupt natural drop or vertical face (e.g., cliffside, steep embankment). In specific contexts, indicates a place of dangerous elevation where falling is possible. May refer to any steep or sheer descent in the landscape, not limited to rocky cliffs but including steep hillsides or embankments.

Semantic Range

precipice, overhanging cliff, steep slope, abrupt descent, embankment, high and steep bank

Root / Etymology

From the verb κρεμάννυμι (to hang, suspend), indicating something that 'hangs' over or drops off sharply. The formation suggests a place characterized by hanging over or abrupt descent.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κρημνός is used for cliffs, steep slopes, or any high overhanging or precipitous ground, often contrasted with more gradual inclines (e.g., λόφος, 'hill'). In the Septuagint and Koine Greek, often designates terrain features dangerous for travel or grazing (cf. LXX 2 Sam 6:7). In the New Testament, notably in the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., Luke 8:33; Matthew 8:32), it designates the steep terrain into which the herd of swine rush. English translations commonly use 'steep place' or 'precipice,' but the Greek term does not inherently imply a specific height or rock face—rather, any ground abruptly dropping off or dangerously steep. This sense is consistent with Hellenistic and Koine literary usage, where κρημνός is generally opposed to more passable or tame slopes. 'Steep place' only partially captures the term's breadth; 'precipice' is closer, but κρημνός does not always imply sheer drop-offs as in English.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κρεμάννυμι; overhanging, i.e. a precipice:--steep place.

Root Family

κρημνός (krēmnós) — hanging over, steep drop, precipice, abrupt descent

Root κρημν- to hang, to suspend (root meaning); steep, abrupt descent (derived)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2911-01 κρημνοῦ kremnou N GEN M SG steep place of a sheer precipice precipice 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2911-01 Matthew 8:32 κρημνοῦ kremnou N GEN M SG steep of a sheer precipice precipice
G2911-01 Mark 5:13 κρημνοῦ kremnou N GEN M SG steep place of a sheer precipice steep place
G2911-01 Luke 8:33 κρημνοῦ kremnou N GEN M SG steep place of a sheer precipice sheer precipice
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