ὀνικός
onikós
G3684 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Pertaining to a donkey; specifically, used of objects designed for or associated with donkeys. In extant New Testament usage, particularly describing a millstone of a size and weight such that only a donkey could turn it, i.e., a large millstone (as opposed to the smaller hand millstone worked by a person). The term does not carry an inherent meaning of 'millstone' itself, but describes the type (size/capacity) when modifying the relevant noun.
Semantic Range
associated with a donkey, requiring the strength of a donkey (as opposed to human), especially denoting a large millstone operated by a donkey
Root / Etymology
From the noun ὄνος ('donkey, ass') with the adjectival suffix -ικός, forming an adjective meaning 'of or pertaining to a donkey.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word ὀνικός appears only in compound forms or as an attributive adjective describing tools or objects associated with the labor of donkeys, most notably in the phrase μύλος ὀνικός ('donkey millstone') in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, Luke 17:2). In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, domestic animals were frequently referenced as a measure of scale for agricultural tools. The translation tradition (e.g., KJV: 'millstone') often renders the phrase as simply 'millstone,' omitting the implication of size. In Koine usage, ὀνικός designates an implement so heavy it requires animal (not human) power, providing a nuance of substantial size or seriousness not captured by the generic term for 'millstone.' This nuance is sometimes lost in English translations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ὄνος; belonging to a ass, i.e. large (so as to be turned by a ass):--millstone.
Root Family
ὀνικός (onikós) — pertaining to a donkey, donkey-driven, associated with donkey labor
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3684-01 |
ὀνικὸς | onikos | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
donkey-driven | donkey-driven | donkey-driven | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3684-01 |
Matthew 18:6 | ὀνικὸς | onikos | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
donkey-driven | donkey-driven | donkey-driven |
G3684-01 |
Mark 9:42 | ὀνικὸς | onikos | ADJ.A NOM M SG |
large | donkey-driven | donkey-driven |