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σπόγγος

spóngos

G4699 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A physical sponge; a porous, absorbent object obtained from certain marine animals, used for soaking up or applying liquids. In the context of Greco-Roman daily life and the New Testament, primarily denotes the natural sponge used for cleaning or as an applicator for liquids. In literature, especially in the New Testament, it appears in scenes where a sponge is saturated with a liquid and offered to someone (e.g., filled with sour wine and offered to a person on a cross). The word is not used metaphorically in known ancient texts.

Semantic Range

sponge, a porous animal product used for cleaning or applying liquid, cleaning tool, absorbent item

Root / Etymology

Loanword, origin uncertain. Not derived from an identifiable Greek root; likely pre-Greek or of foreign (eastern Mediterranean) origin, possibly related to Semitic or other Mediterranean languages. Used in classical and Koine Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Σπόγγος is a technical term appearing in Greek literature from the classical period onward to denote the animal product—'sponge'—used chiefly for cleaning, bathing, and medical or ritual purposes. In both secular and religious contexts, the sponge was a common household tool. In the New Testament (notably in the passion narrative), a sponge appears as a practical item, not a symbol. Standard English translations render the term as 'sponge,' which fully captures its literal meaning but do not always communicate its everyday utility in the ancient world. There is no evidence of figurative use in either the Septuagint or New Testament. The word does not have any theological connotations; its usage is restricted to the object itself. Comparable terms in Latin (spongia) and related languages are believed to have similar roots, further attesting to its technical, non-Greek origin.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

perhaps of foreign origin; a "sponge":--spunge.

Root Family

uncertain (bótrys) — proper name, personal name

Root uncertain sponge, absorbent object
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1009 βότρυς clusters
G1050 Γάϊος to Gaius
G1055 γαλήνη calm stillness
G108 Ἄζωτος Ashdod
G1148 Δαλμανουθά of Dalmanoutha

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4699-01 σπόγγον spoggon N ACC M SG a sponge a sponge a sponge 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4699-01 Matthew 27:48 σπόγγον spoggon N ACC M SG a sponge a sponge a sponge
G4699-01 Mark 15:36 σπόγγον spoggon N ACC M SG a sponge a sponge a sponge
G4699-01 John 19:29 σπόγγον spoggon N ACC M SG sponge a sponge a sponge
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