σιδήρεος
sidḗreos
G4603 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having the quality or nature of iron; made of or consisting of iron. Describes objects composed of iron or pertaining to the substance of iron; also used metaphorically to denote attributes associated with iron, such as strength, hardness, or rigidity in some literary or figurative contexts.
Semantic Range
made of iron, iron (as a material), pertaining to iron, resembling or characteristic of iron, strong or unyielding (figurative)
Root / Etymology
Adjectival form derived from σίδηρος (iron), formed with the suffix -εος denoting material or composition. The root σιδηρ- directly references the material iron.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σιδήρεος is the standard adjective for describing things made of iron or resembling iron, such as weapons, shackles, or implements. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, its primary use is literal, e.g. 'iron rod,' 'iron fetters.' Occasionally, it appears in figurative usage, such as describing strength, unyielding character, or severe conditions (e.g., 'iron yoke' as an image of oppression). English translations typically render it as 'of iron' or 'iron,' but may miss metaphorical or idiomatic nuances, especially where the material suggests more than just composition. σιδήρεος is related to, but should not be confused with, χαλκοῦς (of bronze) and other material adjectives in Greek, each of which can carry distinct cultural or symbolic overtones. The underlying noun, σίδηρος, may have Near Eastern origins, possibly reflecting the importance of iron technology post-Bronze Age. Septuagint translators use σιδήρεος to represent Hebrew בַּרְזֶל (barzel, iron) and its adjectival forms.
Translation Consistency
σιδήρεος is an attributive adjective meaning ‘made of iron’ or ‘of iron.’ The single-word adjective “iron” is the natural, common English rendering used before nouns (e.g. iron gate) and also covers figurative senses (iron will/iron strength). It is concise and consistent for all forms of this lemma.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σίδηρος; made of iron:--(of) iron.
Root Family
σιδήρεος (sidēreos) — iron, made of iron, resembling iron
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4603-01 |
σιδηρᾷ | sidera | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
of iron | to an iron [feminine] | of iron | 3 |
G4603-02 |
σιδηρᾶν | sideran | ADJ.R ACC F SG |
iron | iron | iron | 1 |
G4603-03 |
σιδηροῦς | siderous | ADJ.A ACC M PL |
of iron | iron | of iron | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4603-02 |
Acts 12:10 | σιδηρᾶν | sideran | ADJ.R ACC F SG |
iron | iron | iron |
G4603-01 |
Revelation 2:27 | σιδηρᾷ | sidera | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
of iron | to an iron [feminine] | of iron |
G4603-03 |
Revelation 9:9 | σιδηροῦς | siderous | ADJ.A ACC M PL |
of iron | iron | of iron |
G4603-01 |
Revelation 12:5 | σιδηρᾷ | sidera | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
of iron | to an iron [feminine] | of iron |
G4603-01 |
Revelation 19:15 | σιδηρᾷ | sidera | ADJ.A DAT F SG |
of iron | to an iron [feminine] | of iron |