μυκάομαι
mykáomai
G3455 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make a deep, resonant, animal-like bellowing sound; to roar with a sound characteristic of large animals such as oxen or bulls. In extended contexts, used for loud, mournful, or anguished sounds made by persons experiencing deep emotion, distress, or lamentation. The term may also be applied metaphorically to non-human noises that resemble such bellowing.
Semantic Range
to bellow (of cattle or large animals), to roar (of animals), to utter a loud and resonant cry (of humans in distress or lamentation), to make a deep, resounding noise (of inanimate phenomena)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root μυκ- (myk-), which is onomatopoeic and imitates the lowing or bellowing sound of cattle. Related forms appear in other Greek words such as μυκήομαι and μῦκος, all reflecting sounds of loud, resonant animal cries.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μυκάομαι is an onomatopoeic verb primarily used to describe the vocalization of large quadrupeds—especially bovines—such as the bellowing or lowing of cattle. It is attested in classical Greek poetry (e.g., Homer), usually describing the bellowing of bulls or herds, sometimes also applied to the roaring of other animals. In post-classical and Koine Greek, the verb retains its animalistic association but can be extended to describe resonant human lamentation or voices raised in distress. In the Septuagint and related literature, it may be used to convey not only animal sound but also powerful, overwhelming noise. In English Bible translation tradition, the term 'roar' or 'bellow' is commonly used, but these do not always convey the original connection to specific animal vocalizations. The verb is relatively rare in the New Testament and related Koine literature, and when present, often evokes an image of deep, primal noise rather than generic loudness.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a presumed derivative of ( to "moo"); to bellow (roar):--roar.
Root Family
μυκ- (mykáomai) — to bellow, to roar, to make a deep animal cry
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3455-01 |
μυκᾶται | mukatai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
roars | is bellowing | roars | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3455-01 |
Revelation 10:3 | μυκᾶται | mukatai | V PRS MID IND 3P SG |
roars | is bellowing | roars |