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ὄρος

óros

G3735 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ὀρ- to rise, to be elevated, height

Definition

A raised landform, typically larger and higher than a hill; mountain, highland, or elevated region. In various contexts, can refer to: (1) a single mountain, (2) a mountainous area or high country in general, or (3) by extension, a figurative 'mount' or symbolic height (e.g., as a place of divine encounter or seclusion). It denotes a natural geographic feature characterized by height and prominence in the landscape.

Semantic Range

mountain, mount, high (mountainous) region, hill, elevated landform, sometimes figurative height or place of significance

Root / Etymology

The word ὄρος is of uncertain etymology. There is suggestion of relation to an obsolete verb meaning 'to rise' or 'rear up,' possibly connected to the root of αἴρω ('to lift, carry') and compared with ὄρνις ('bird,' with the notion of rising or being aloft), but no definitive etymology is established. It is a native Greek term attested from the earliest Greek literature.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὄρος consistently denotes a naturally elevated landform—'mountain'—and is widespread in Homer and later texts. In the Septuagint, ὄρος translates several Hebrew terms for mountains or hills, often used for notable or sacred heights (e.g., Sinai, Zion, Gerizim). In the New Testament and other Koine sources, it covers both mountains proper (e.g., the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion) and less distinct highlands or hilly regions. While English translations sometimes distinguish 'mount' and 'mountain' (or 'hill'), in Greek ὄρος may refer to any significant elevation, and the distinction depends on context rather than strict criteria of height. In religious or symbolic usage, ὄρος often features prominently as a setting for revelation (e.g., Sermon on the Mount), retreat, or divine encounter, inheriting this tradition from earlier Israelite and Hellenistic narratives. There is no strong evidence for a fixed 'religious' versus 'secular' distinction attached to the word itself, though its frequent appearance in narratives of significance has given it symbolic resonance. The semantic range overlaps with λόφος ('hill'), though λόφος more commonly denotes a lower elevation or hillock. The translation 'hill' may sometimes inadequately reflect the geographic or symbolic weight of ὄρος, especially where sacred places or major landforms are intended.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from an obsolete (to rise or "rear"; perhaps akin to αἴρω; compare ὄρνις); a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain):--hill, mount(-ain).

Root Family

ὄρος (oros) — to rise, to be elevated, height

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3735-06 ὄρος oros N ACC N SG mountain mountain 28
G3735-07 ὄρους orous N GEN N SG mountain of a mountain 12
G3735-02 ὄρει orei N DAT N SG mountain to a mountain 11
G3735-01 ὄρη ore N ACC N PL mountains mountains 7
G3735-05 ὄρεσιν oresin N DAT N PL mountains to the mountains 3
G3735-03 ὀρέων oreon N GEN N PL of mountains 1
G3735-04 ὄρεσι oresi N DAT N PL to the mountains 1

Occurrences in Scripture

63 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3735-06 Matthew 4:8 ὄρος oros N ACC N SG mountain
G3735-06 Matthew 5:1 ὄρος oros N ACC N SG mountain
G3735-07 Matthew 5:14 ὄρους orous N GEN N SG of a mountain
G3735-07 Matthew 8:1 ὄρους orous N GEN N SG of a mountain
G3735-06 Matthew 14:23 ὄρος oros N ACC N SG mountain
G3735-06 Matthew 15:29 ὄρος oros N ACC N SG mountain
G3735-06 Matthew 17:1 ὄρος oros N ACC N SG mountain
G3735-07 Matthew 17:9 ὄρους orous N GEN N SG of a mountain
G3735-02 Matthew 17:20 ὄρει orei N DAT N SG to a mountain
G3735-01 Matthew 18:12 ὄρη ore N ACC N PL mountains
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