φρύγανον
phrýganon
G5434 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A dry or withered twig, stick, or small shrub; in general, refers to brittle plant matter such as brushwood or twigs, especially those suitable for burning as fuel. In extended usage, may denote by implication something easily consumed or insignificant, though primarily a physical description of dry brush, sticks, or twigs.
Semantic Range
dry twig, withered stick, brushwood, dry shrubbery, brittle plant matter, kindling, fuel for fire
Root / Etymology
Uncertain; formed from a presumed derivative of a root meaning 'to parch, to dry', with possible connection to φλόξ (flame) or φρύγω (to roast, parch).
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in classical Greek, φρύγανον appears in a range of literature including medical and botanical works to denote dry sticks, brushwood, or small shrubby material, chiefly as fuel for fire or cooking. In the Septuagint and New Testament (e.g., Acts 28:3), it denotes the kind of twigs or brush gathered for kindling a fire. The term is not specific to any plant species but refers broadly to any dry, woody plant material, especially of the sort found in the Mediterranean scrublands. The standard English Bible translation 'stick' or 'brushwood' reflects the primary sense but can under-represent the word's broader connotation of brittle, combustible plant matter. The context in Greek sources almost always relates to collection for lighting fires, whether domestic, cultic, or incidental. The semantic range remains relatively stable from classical through Koine Greek.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a presumed derivative of (to roast or parch; akin to the base of φλόξ); something desiccated, i.e. a dry twig:--stick.
Root Family
φρύγανον (phrýganon) — dry twig, withered stick, brushwood, parched plant matter, kindling
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5434-01 |
φρυγάνων | phruganon | N GEN N PL |
of sticks | of dry twigs | dry twigs | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5434-01 |
Acts 28:3 | φρυγάνων | phruganon | N GEN N PL |
of sticks | of dry twigs | dry twigs |