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Κώς

Kṓs

G2972 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Cos; an island in the southeastern Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese, noted in ancient times for its strategic location, fertile land, and as a cultural and medical center. In biblical and Hellenistic contexts, 'Κώς' refers exclusively to the geographic locality and its inhabitants, without broader or figurative senses.

Semantic Range

island of Cos, the territory or region of Cos, by extension the inhabitants of Cos

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. The name 'Κώς' is attested from antiquity in Greek sources; no clear derivation from other Greek or Semitic roots is established.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In ancient Greek literature, Κώς is mentioned as a significant island near the coast of Asia Minor. It was known in antiquity for its Asclepieion (a medical sanctuary associated with Hippocrates), its wine, and its role in maritime trade. In the New Testament (Acts 21:1), it appears as a stop on Paul's sea journey. The term consistently refers to the island itself and, by extension, its people (Κῶιοι, Koioi), but does not carry any religious, ethnic, or metaphoric connotations. In the Septuagint and other Second Temple sources, it only designates the geographic island, paralleling similar proper names within Greek texts. English translations routinely render Κώς as 'Cos' or 'Kos', reflecting the Hellenistic and Roman period understanding of the place and not introducing any additional meanings.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain origin; Cos, an island in the Mediterranean:--Cos.

Root Family

Κώς (Kōs) — island, place name, locality

Root uncertain island, place name, locality

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2972-01 Κῶ ko N ACC F SG Cos Cos Cos 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2972-01 Acts 21:1 Κῶ ko N ACC F SG Cos Cos Cos
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