ὀργυιά (G3712) — Greek Lexicon

ὀργυιά

orguiá

G3712 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ὀργυι- to stretch, to extend

Definition

A measure of length based on the span of outstretched arms, typically defined as approximately six Greek feet (about 1.8 meters); used to indicate a standard length for depth, especially relating to bodies of water or objects measured by arm-span. The term denotes a specific measurement, equivalent to what in English is called a 'fathom,' but rooted in the physical gesture of stretching out the arms.

Semantic Range

fathom (unit of length based on arm span), a measure of depth or length, a stretch (the distance measured by outstretched arms), span

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb ὀρέγομαι ('to stretch out one’s hands'), referencing the act of measuring by extending the arms. It is a nominal formation from this verb, designating the measure obtained by such an action.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ὀργυιά is a technical term for an ancient unit of length based on the outstretched arms of an adult person, attested in classical Greek literature (e.g., Homer, Herodotus), through the Hellenistic period, and retained its use in Koine Greek. In the Septuagint and New Testament period, ὀργυιά appears rarely compared to other length measures (πῆχυς 'cubit', σταδίον 'stadion'), but when it occurs, it refers specifically to a length similar to the English 'fathom,' though the exact length could vary regionally and by context. The term emphasizes the physicality of measurement. English translations often render ὀργυιά as 'fathom,' but the modern fixed value of a nautical fathom is not always strictly equivalent to the ancient Greek concept. Its primary context is in maritime and land measurements, occasionally in poetry or metaphor for 'full extension.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ὀρέγομαι; a stretch of the arms, i.e. a fathom:--fathom.

Root Family

ὀργυιά (orguia) — stretch, extend, arm-span measure, fathom

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G3712-01`	ὀργυιὰς	orguias	`N ACC F PL`	fathoms	arm-span measures	2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G3712-01`	Acts 27:28	ὀργυιὰς	orguias	`N ACC F PL`	fathoms	arm-span measures
`G3712-01`	Acts 27:28	ὀργυιὰς	orguias-2	`N ACC F PL`	fathoms	arm-span measures

← G3711 Greek Lexicon G3713 →