χαρακτήρ (G5481) — Greek Lexicon

χαρακτήρ

charaktḗr

G5481 noun

SILEX Entry

Root χαρακ- to engrave, to mark, to stamp, to imprint

Definition

An impression, stamp, or mark impressed by a tool; by extension, the distinctive mark or distinguishing feature of something. In metaphorical or figurative contexts, denotes the unique, exact representation or essential embodiment of something. The term spans from the physical process of stamping or engraving to the concept of an exact or characteristic reproduction or expression of an original model.

Semantic Range

engraving, tool for engraving, stamp (on coin), impress, mark, distinguishing feature, exact representation, embodiment, characteristic quality

Root / Etymology

Derived from χαρακτήρ, which ultimately comes from χαράσσω ('to engrave', 'to carve'). Originally referred to both the instrument that makes an impression (an engraver's tool) and the mark or impression itself. The underlying root is χαρακ-, related to marking or engraving.

Historical & Contextual Notes

First attested in classical sources such as Herodotus and Aristotle, χαρακτήρ originally denoted an imprint made by a tool, especially in relation to coinage – the stamp or the figure produced on coins. In the broader Hellenistic period, and especially in philosophical literature, it came to describe the inherent distinguishing quality or essential nature of an entity, often used for the 'impress' of virtue, nature, or type. In Koine and later usage, including the Septuagint and the New Testament (notably Hebrews 1:3), χαρακτήρ is used metaphorically for an exact representation or expression (for example, of a divine nature). English translations with 'express image' or 'representation' sometimes obscure its roots in physical impress and the nuance of precise correspondence. The term should be distinguished from εἰκών (image, likeness), which is broader; χαρακτήρ specifies the precise reproduction produced from a stamp, emphasizing identity of form and substance rather than mere resemblance.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as χάραξ; a graver (the tool or the person), i.e. (by implication) engraving (("character"), the figure stamped, i.e. an exact copy or (figuratively) representation):--express image.

Root Family

χαρακτήρ (charaktēr) — engraving, stamp, imprint, distinguishing mark, exact representation

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G5481-01`	χαρακτὴρ	charakter	`N NOM M SG`		engraved imprint	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G5481-01`	Hebrews 1:3	χαρακτὴρ	charakter	`N NOM M SG`		engraved imprint

← G5480 Greek Lexicon G5482 →