κώνωψ
kṓnōps
G2971 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A small, flying insect characterized by a stinging or piercing proboscis; in ancient contexts, typically refers to a gnat or mosquito. In literary and colloquial usage, denotes a tiny, irritating or biting insect, especially as an example of something trivial, minuscule, or of little consequence in contrast to something greater. In figurative language, can illustrate hyperbole, exaggeration, or the concept of focusing on trifling matters while neglecting the significant.
Semantic Range
mosquito, gnat, small stinging or biting insect, insignificant or trivial thing (figurative), object of exaggerated attention in contrast to something greater
Root / Etymology
Formed from an uncertain root; some suggest a link to κέντρον ('sting', 'prickle') and connection to ὀπτάνομαι ('to see'), but this is speculative and not widely accepted. Most likely an onomatopoeic word imitating the buzzing of the insect, possibly with folk etymological association with 'sting'. Etymology ultimately uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek (e.g., Aristotle, Theophrastus) κώνωψ refers to small biting insects, most often mosquitoes or gnats, and appears with this basic sense in Hellenistic and later Greek. In the New Testament (Matthew 23:24), κώνωψ is used in a proverb contrasting 'straining out a gnat' with 'swallowing a camel', highlighting a focus on minor details while ignoring major ones. The English translation 'gnat' is traditional, but the term includes both gnats and mosquitoes in broader Greek usage. The word carries little, if any, direct religious or sociocultural connotation and is not tied to ritual or symbolic meaning outside its figurative use. The semantic scope remains consistent across the classical and Koine periods, with the primary shift being extension into the figurative register (triviality, hyperbole). No significant difference is seen in the Septuagint, where insect terms are rendered more specifically. The connection of κώνωψ to 'sting' is folk-derivation, not solid etymology.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a derivative of the base of κέντρον and a derivative of ὀπτάνομαι; a mosquito (from its stinging proboscis):--gnat.
Root Family
κώνωψ (kṓnōps) — mosquito, gnat, small biting insect
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2971-01 |
κώνωπα | konopa | N ACC M SG |
a mosquito | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2971-01 |
Matthew 23:24 | κώνωπα | konopa | N ACC M SG |
a mosquito |