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φόβητρον

phóbētron

G5400 noun

SILEX Entry

Root φοβ- to fear, to terrify, to put to flight

Definition

A thing that causes fear, a source of terror or dread; specifically, an object or phenomenon that incites fright, often perceived as a terrible omen or portent. Primary sense is 'that which induces fear'; secondary uses can indicate a fearful appearance, apparition, or prodigy considered to be a sign.

Semantic Range

frightening thing, object that causes terror, fearful sight, portent, terrifying apparition or prodigy

Root / Etymology

From the root φοβ- (phob-, 'fear') with the neuter suffix -ητρον (-ētron), forming a noun denoting that which produces the action of the root. Built from φοβέω ('to put to flight, terrify').

Historical & Contextual Notes

φόβητρον is rare in both classical and Koine Greek. Its occurrence in the New Testament (Luke 21:11) reflects the idea of fear-inspiring signs or phenomena, frequently understood in context as omens, prodigies, or portents that cause public distress. In Hellenistic Greek literature and the Septuagint, similar terms are used for anything considered a terrifying sign or supernatural apparition. Traditional English translations use 'fearful sight' or 'terrible sign,' yet this does not entirely convey the sense of a phenomenon expected to evoke awe and dread as a public sign. The word is not a common synonym for everyday fear (δέος, φόβος), but typically refers to a remarkable or portentous event. Its formation is parallel to terms like φύσητρον ('instrument of blowing'), with the neuter suffix indicating the instrument or object of the root action. No record suggests direct equivalence with the later use of 'monster' or 'ghost.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of a derivative of φοβέω; a frightening thing, i.e. terrific portent:--fearful sight.

Root Family

φόβητρον (phobētron) — fear, terror, that which causes fright, portent

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G5400-01 φόβηθρά phobethra N NOM N PL terrors terror-causing portents 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G5400-01 Luke 21:11 φόβηθρά phobethra N NOM N PL terrors terror-causing portents
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