ἀσπίς
aspís
G785 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A round shield, typically a large, heavy defensive implement used in warfare. In extended or figurative usage, refers to a type of venomous serpent, likely referencing a species known for coiling or its deadly nature. Semantic range includes a physical shield for protection in battle and, by metonymy, a snake characterized by coiling or lethality.
Semantic Range
large round shield (military equipment), protective shield, venomous snake (cobra, asp), metaphor for danger or lethal threat
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. Although it resembles the word for 'shield' (ἀσπίς), its use for serpents may reflect a term repurposed or influenced by Near Eastern terms for snakes, but this is not definitively established.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, ἀσπίς principally denotes a large, circular shield used especially by hoplites, distinguishing it from smaller shields (e.g., πέλτη/peltē). In Hellenistic and Roman-period Greek (including the Septuagint), ἀσπίς also appears as a term for venomous serpents, particularly those considered deadly. In the Septuagint and subsequently in the New Testament, ἀσπίς generally represents dangerous snakes (such as the Egyptian cobra, Naja haje), and is often used to translate the Hebrew צֶפַע (ṣep̄aʿ) or פֶּתֶן (peṭen). English translations commonly render this as 'asp' (an archaic, imprecise term for viper/cobra), but this risks obscuring whether the reference is to the literal animal or a metaphorical/poetic image of something lethal or deceptive. The dual meaning (shield/snake) reflects both the common object and a specific symbolic or zoological referent in the biblical and Hellenistic lexicon. The connection between the shape or quality of the shield and the snake's form is possible but unconfirmed. The term's usage diverges from the vague English 'asp,' which often fails to capture the primary Greek sense of 'shield.'
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; a buckler (or round shield); used of a serpent (as coiling itself), probably the "asp":--asp.
Root Family
ἀσπίς (aspis) — shield, round shield, venomous serpent, to coil
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G785-01 |
ἀσπίδων | aspidon | N GEN F PL |
of asps | of round shields | of serpents | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G785-01 |
Romans 3:13 | ἀσπίδων | aspidon | N GEN F PL |
of asps | of round shields | of serpents |