λῆρος
lēros
G3026 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Speech or talk that is nonsensical, absurd, or meaningless; used of what is perceived as idle chatter, nonsense, or folly. In specific contexts, denotes a statement that is deemed by the hearer to lack credibility or seriousness, especially absurd claims or reports seen as lacking substance or reasonableness.
Semantic Range
nonsense; absurd talk; idle tale; babble; delirium-induced speech; talk deemed lacking in truth, seriousness, or rationality
Root / Etymology
etymology uncertain. λῆρος is not derived from an identifiable root among common Greek verbs or nouns; it is attested in classical sources as a standalone noun.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word λῆρος appears very rarely in extant Greek literature, marking it as a term of informal, colloquial speech, especially used with a sense of dismissal or contempt. Its only New Testament occurrence is in Luke 24:11, where the disciples dismiss the women's report of Jesus' resurrection as λῆρος, reflecting their view that the message was incredible or nonsensical. In broader Hellenistic usage (and already in some classical sources such as Hippocrates and Galen), λῆρος is employed for silly talk, nonsense, or babble—sometimes even to describe delirious or fever-induced speech. Standard English translations (e.g. 'idle tales') often obscure the dismissive, contemptuous force of the term in context. The word targets both the (supposedly) pointless content and its apparent lack of rationality or merit, distinguishing it from more neutral terms for 'story' or 'report' (e.g., λόγος, διήγησις). λῆρος thus conveys a strong sense of incredulity or disdain toward what is being reported, marking it as unworthy of belief or consideration.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a primary word; twaddle, i.e. an incredible story:--idle tale.
Root Family
λῆρος (lēros) — nonsense, absurd talk, foolish speech
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3026-01 |
λῆρος | leros | N NOM M SG |
nonsense | absurd talk | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3026-01 |
Luke 24:11 | λῆρος | leros | N NOM M SG |
nonsense | absurd talk |