τήκω
tḗkō
G5080 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To cause to melt, dissolve, or liquefy something (most often by heat); by extension, to waste away, cause to disappear, or cause to perish through destruction or dissipation. In metaphorical usage, to cause emotional distress so great as to 'melt' or 'dissolve' courage or resolve.
Semantic Range
to melt by heat, to liquefy, to cause to disappear, to waste away, to cause courage or strength to fail, to perish, to dissolve emotionally or physically
Root / Etymology
Root τήκω is a primary verb of ancient Greek origin, not derived from another attested Greek term. Cognates in other Indo-European languages suggest ancient roots related to melting or dissolving.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τήκω primarily refers to the action of melting substances, particularly metals or wax, through the application of heat. The word appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts from Homer onward, with literal uses found in works by Homer, Herodotus, and later writers to describe melting solid substances. Metaphorical uses involve the fading or wasting away of physical or mental vitality, or of courage in the face of adversity (cf. τήκω ὑπὸ δέους: 'melt with fear'). In the Septuagint, τήκω and its forms are used to render Hebrew words meaning to melt, dissolve, faint, or waste away, especially in contexts involving distress or mortal peril (e.g., wax melting, hearts melting in fear). In the New Testament, the term is significantly rarer or absent, but cognate and related terms are used in similar figurative senses. English translations such as 'melt' or 'dissolve' capture the base meaning but often do not convey the extended metaphorical and emotional senses found in ancient usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a primary verb; to liquefy:--melt.
Root Family
τήκω (tēkō) — to melt, to dissolve, to liquefy
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5080-01 |
τήκεται | teketai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
are melting | is being melted | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5080-01 |
2 Peter 3:12 | τήκεται | teketai | V PRS PASS IND 3P SG |
are melting | is being melted |