φοῖνιξ
phoînix
G5404 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A palm tree; specifically, the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), common in regions along the eastern Mediterranean, valued for its tall, straight trunk and feathery fronds. Also extended to designate objects, designs, or locations associated with the palm tree, such as a motif or ornament, or place named for the presence of palms.
Semantic Range
palm tree (Phoenix dactylifera), palm branch, motif or ornament in the form of a palm; used as a place name where palms grow; rarely, the mythical bird 'phoenix' (not in biblical usage); purplish-red dye or color (in other literary contexts)
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: Etymology uncertain. The term is widely attested in classical Greek as φοῖνιξ, referring to both the palm tree and the mythical bird (phoenix), with possible connections to Semitic roots (e.g., Hebrew תָּמָר for palm tree, Phoenician *ponix or similar), but the precise relationship remains debated among scholars.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Historical & Contextual Notes: In classical and Hellenistic Greek, φοῖνιξ primarily refers to the date palm, an important and recognizable tree of the Near East and Mediterranean. The word could also denote the reddish-purple color derived from the palm or from the shellfish dye, or the mythical bird (phoenix) in other mythological contexts (distinct from botanical usage). In the Septuagint and the New Testament (e.g., Revelation 7:9), it consistently refers to the palm tree, especially as a symbol of prosperity, victory, or festivity (e.g., palm branches). In some sources, Φοῖνιξ could be a place name, named after palms growing there (cf. Acts 27:12, a harbor on Crete). English translations as 'palm tree' are accurate in biblical contexts, though they do not capture the broader cultural and symbolic associations of the palm in Greco-Roman and Near Eastern symbolism.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; a palm-tree:--palm (tree).
Root Family
φοῖνιξ (phoînix) — palm tree, date palm
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5404-02 |
φοινίκων | phoinikon | N GEN M PL |
palm trees | of palm trees | Phoinix | 1 |
G5404-01 |
φοίνικες | phoinikes | N NOM M PL |
palms | of a palm tree | Phoinix | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5404-02 |
John 12:13 | φοινίκων | phoinikon | N GEN M PL |
palm trees | of palm trees | Phoinix |
G5404-01 |
Revelation 7:9 | φοίνικες | phoinikes | N NOM M PL |
palms | of a palm tree | Phoinix |