ἄρκτος
árktos
G715 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A bear; primarily used for the large carnivorous mammal (Ursus species), but also encompassing symbolic and figurative usages, such as representing strength, ferocity, or certain constellations (notably, the 'Great Bear,' i.e., Ursa Major). In some contexts, refers directly to the animal, while in other contexts may serve as a metaphor for ferocity, wildness, or dangerous threat.
Semantic Range
bear (the animal); constellation (Ursa Major, the Great Bear); symbol of ferocity; representation of northern sky or dangerous wildness
Root / Etymology
The etymology is uncertain. Classical sources connect ἄρκτος to the Proto-Indo-European root *h₂ŕ̥tkos (cf. Latin ursus, Sanskrit ṛkṣa, Old English bera), but no direct derivation from ἀρκέω is attested. Ancient lexica and modern scholarship agree that the origin is pre-Greek or inherited from older Indo-European strata.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἄρκτος refers both to the animal 'bear' and, in astronomical contexts, to the constellation known as the Great Bear (Ursa Major), often simply called 'the Bear.' The term appears in literary and scientific texts throughout antiquity. In the Septuagint, ἄρκτος is used to translate Hebrew דֹּב (dov), maintaining the reference to the animal. In the New Testament, the term does not occur, but it remains in common Koine usage for both the animal and the constellation. In symbolic literature, the bear could represent wild danger or northern regions, sometimes associated with star lore. The standard English translation as 'bear' accurately captures the core animal referent, but may overlook metaphorical or astronomical uses present in Greek texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from ἀρκέω; a bear (as obstructing by ferocity):--bear.
Root Family
ἀρκτ- (árktos) — bear (animal), constellation (the Bear)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G715-01 |
ἄρκου | arkou | N GEN F SG |
a bear's | of a bear | of a bear | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G715-01 |
Revelation 13:2 | ἄρκου | arkou | N GEN F SG |
a bear's | of a bear | of a bear |