τροπή
tropḗ
G5157 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
a turning or change of direction; in extended usage, a turning point or alteration, especially in celestial movements (such as the sun's course), or figuratively, a change or variation in circumstances. The primary sense is that of a physical or metaphorical turning, with specialized uses in astronomy and literature.
Semantic Range
physical turning; change of direction; revolution (especially of celestial bodies); solstice; turning point; variation; change in circumstances
Root / Etymology
from the root τρέπω (trepō), meaning 'to turn'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical and Hellenistic Greek, τροπή primarily denoted a physical turning, especially a turning of celestial bodies, such as the sun at the solstices (summer and winter τροπαί, the points at which the sun appears to reverse its movement along the horizon). By extension, it came to refer to changes or transitions in abstract senses, including the alteration of times or circumstances. In Septuagint and New Testament usage, τροπή is rare, appearing in James 1:17, where the sense is one of 'variation' or 'change' rather than literal physical movement, expressing the idea of variation or shifting. The term is also foundational for the English 'trope' in literary terminology, originally meaning 'a turn of phrase'. English translations, such as 'turning' or 'variation', capture the basic ideas but may not convey the specialized astronomical or figurative nuances found in Greek usage. In Koine Greek, τροπή has no particular theological significance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an apparently primary to turn; a turn ("trope"), i.e. revolution (figuratively, variation):--turning.
Root Family
τροπή (tropē) — turning, change of direction, revolution, variation
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5157-01 |
τροπῆς | tropes | N GEN F SG |
of turning | of turning | of turning | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5157-01 |
James 1:17 | τροπῆς | tropes | N GEN F SG |
of turning | of turning | of turning |