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οὐρά

ourá

G3769 noun

SILEX Entry

Root οὐρά tail, hindmost part, appendage

Definition

A tail, referring most literally to the hindmost appendage of animals, whether of quadrupeds, birds, or fish. In extended use, denotes the rear, an appendage trailing behind, or by metaphor, that which follows after or is subordinate. Used figuratively in apocalyptic and metaphorical language for agents or groups in a subordinate or trailing position.

Semantic Range

animal tail, hindmost part, appendage trailing behind, something following or subordinate, apocalyptic metaphor for following forces or destructive agents

Root / Etymology

Appears as a primary word in Greek; etymology uncertain. Cognate forms are not attested in other Indo-European languages and the word is not clearly derived from another Greek root.

Historical & Contextual Notes

οὐρά is attested in classical Greek literature as the ordinary term for the tail of animals. In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew זָנָב (zanav), likewise denoting animal tails, and on rare occasions appears in metaphorical contexts. In the New Testament, most notably in the apocalyptic imagery of the book of Revelation, οὐρά is used metaphorically (e.g., the tails of locusts or horses, symbolizing destructive power or agents). The word consistently denotes a literal or figurative 'tail,' never acquiring the meaning of the English idiom 'end' or 'remnant.' English translations reliably reflect the narrow and concrete Greek sense. Related terms for 'tail' in Greek (e.g., πρυμνή for the 'stern' or rear of a ship) are not synonymous, reflecting οὐρά's consistent reference to animal anatomy or its figurative extensions.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary word; a tail:--tail.

Root Family

οὐρά (oura) — tail, hindmost part, appendage

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3769-03 οὐραῖς ourais N DAT F PL to tails 2
G3769-01 οὐρὰ oura N NOM F SG tail 1
G3769-04 οὐρὰς ouras N ACC F PL tails 1
G3769-02 οὐραὶ ourai N NOM F PL tails 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3769-04 Revelation 9:10 οὐρὰς ouras N ACC F PL tails
G3769-03 Revelation 9:10 οὐραῖς ourais N DAT F PL to tails
G3769-03 Revelation 9:19 οὐραῖς ourais N DAT F PL to tails
G3769-02 Revelation 9:19 οὐραὶ ourai N NOM F PL tails
G3769-01 Revelation 12:4 οὐρὰ oura N NOM F SG tail
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