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ὄζω

ózō

G3605 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To emit a smell, typically an unpleasant or offensive odor; to reek or give off a stench. In rare or particular contexts, may refer more generally to exuding a fragrance, but in Koine and biblical usage it most commonly denotes a foul or disagreeable odor.

Semantic Range

to give off a scent, to emit fragrance, to smell (intransitive), to stink, to reek

Root / Etymology

From the root ὀζ-; not traceable to an earlier Indo-European or Semitic cognate with certainty; considered a primary verb in Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The verb ὄζω appears infrequently in the Septuagint and New Testament, generally denoting the action of emitting a strong, usually negative odor (cf. Gen 34:30 LXX; John 11:39). In classical Greek, ὀζώ (ὄζω) could be neutral or even positive (to smell or emit a fragrance), but by the Koine period, the word's typical context was that of an offensive or bad smell (stink, reek). English translations often use 'stink' or 'give off a stench,' yet the Greek can, in principle, cover any perceptible odor. The negative nuance is contextually determined, especially in biblical passages involving decaying bodies or spoiled materials. Distinguished from terms denoting sweet odor or fragrance, such as εὐώδια (fragrance, pleasant aroma). The usage in New Testament Greek aligns with the LXX in primarily carrying a pejorative sense.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primary verb (in a strengthened form); to scent (usually an ill "odor"):--stink.

Root Family

ὄζω (ozō) — to emit odor, to smell, to stink, to reek

Root ὀζ- to smell, to emit odor

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3605-01 ὄζει ozei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG stinks emits a stench emits a stench 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3605-01 John 11:39 ὄζει ozei V PRS ACT IND 3P SG stinks emits a stench emits a stench
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