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φύλλον

phýllon

G5444 noun

SILEX Entry

Root φυλ- to sprout, to grow, leaf

Definition

A sprout, specifically a leaf; the primary lexical meaning of φύλλον is an individual leaf, the flat, usually green, growth from the stem or branch of a plant or tree. By extension, it may also refer more generally to foliage or to leaves collectively, especially as indicators of life, fruitfulness, or the change of seasons. In figurative contexts, it can signify something ephemeral or transient, in reference to the fleeting nature of leaves.

Semantic Range

leaf (of a plant or tree), foliage, sprout, indicator of life (metaphorical), symbol of transience or decay

Root / Etymology

Derived from the Greek root φυλ- meaning 'to grow, to sprout,' possibly related to φυλή (tribe, race, by extension 'stock' or 'offspring') but with an independent development toward botanical usage. The formation is specifically for the botanical context and is attested as early as classical Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, φύλλον is the standard term for 'leaf,' used in a wide range of botanical, poetic, and philosophical contexts. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it retains its concrete sense of 'leaf,' as in Matthew 21:19 (referring to leaves on a fig tree), but may carry richer connotations deriving from its literary background—such as symbolizing vitality (when green and abundant), decay (when withered), or the passage of time (seasonal changes). English translations generally render φύλλον as 'leaf,' which accurately communicates the botanical sense, but may not capture the poetic or metaphorical resonance present in some Greek literature. Unlike φυλή, which refers to a group or tribe, φύλλον is strictly botanical and should not be confused with ancestry or lineage terms. Its use is consistent from classical through Koine and later Greek, with little shift in primary meaning.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as φυλή; a sprout, i.e. leaf:--leaf.

Root Family

φύλλον (phyllon) — to sprout, to grow, leaf, foliage

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G5444-01 φύλλα phulla N ACC N PL leaves leaves 6

Occurrences in Scripture

6 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G5444-01 Matthew 21:19 φύλλα phulla N ACC N PL leaves
G5444-01 Matthew 24:32 φύλλα phulla N ACC N PL leaves
G5444-01 Mark 11:13 φύλλα phulla N ACC N PL leaves leaves
G5444-01 Mark 11:13 φύλλα phulla-2 N ACC N PL leaves leaves
G5444-01 Mark 13:28 φύλλα phulla N ACC N PL leaves leaves
G5444-01 Revelation 22:2 φύλλα phulla N NOM N PL leaves leaves
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