ἀστήρ
astḗr
G792 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A star, a luminous celestial body visible in the night sky; in extended or metaphorical usage, a notable or prominent person or being, a luminary. Primarily denotes an astral object but can function as a symbol for divine beings or persons of distinction in certain literary or visionary contexts (e.g., in apocalyptic literature).
Semantic Range
star (astronomical body), planet, symbolic figure, angelic or divine being, person of eminence or notoriety
Root / Etymology
Probably related to the root of στρώννυμι (to spread/strew), though this connection is debated; ultimately of uncertain Indo-European origin but widely attested in ancient Greek and Indo-European languages as a term for a star.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἀστήρ referred fundamentally to visible stars or planets in the sky, distinguished from ἥλιος (sun) and σελήνη (moon). In the Septuagint, it regularly translates Hebrew כּוֹכָב (kokhav), including both literal stars and metaphorical senses (e.g., for angels or leaders). In apocalyptic and visionary literature (Daniel, Revelation), ἀστήρ can symbolize heavenly beings, angels, or even notable historical figures. In the New Testament, the term is employed both for astronomical phenomena (Matthew 2:2, 'star of Bethlehem') and metaphorically (Revelation 1:20, where stars represent angels of assemblies). The English gloss 'star' often captures the base sense, but does not always convey the extended figurative usage found in Second Temple and early Christian texts, where 'star' can signify angelic or exalted figures. Contrast with φῶς (light) which denotes illumination more broadly and not a specific celestial object.
Translation Consistency
The lemma astēr primarily denotes an astronomical star and the majority of existing renderings use 'star' or 'stars.' Using the simple, natural noun 'star' covers both singular and plural forms when inflected in SIBI and also accommodates extended/metaphorical senses (luminary, angelic being, notable person) without sounding formal or forced.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the base of στρώννυμι; a star (as strown over the sky), literally or figuratively:--star.
Root Family
ἀστήρ (astēr) — star, celestial body, luminary
Word Forms
6 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G792-05 |
ἀστέρων | asteron | N GEN M PL |
stars | of stars | of stars | 5 |
G792-04 |
ἀστέρες | asteres | N NOM M PL |
stars | stars | stars | 5 |
G792-02 |
ἀστέρα | astera | N ACC M SG |
star | a star | a star | 4 |
G792-01 |
ἀστὴρ | aster | N NOM M SG |
star | star | star | 4 |
G792-03 |
ἀστέρας | asteras | N ACC M PL |
stars | stars | stars | 3 |
G792-06 |
ἀστέρος | asteros | N GEN M SG |
star | of a star | of a star | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
24 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G792-02 |
Matthew 2:2 | ἀστέρα | astera | N ACC M SG |
star | a star | a star |
G792-06 |
Matthew 2:7 | ἀστέρος | asteros | N GEN M SG |
of the star | of a star | of a star |
G792-01 |
Matthew 2:9 | ἀστὴρ | aster | N NOM M SG |
star | star | star |
G792-02 |
Matthew 2:10 | ἀστέρα | astera | N ACC M SG |
star | a star | a star |
G792-04 |
Matthew 24:29 | ἀστέρες | asteres | N NOM M PL |
stars | stars | stars |
G792-04 |
Mark 13:25 | ἀστέρες | asteres | N NOM M PL |
stars | stars | stars |
G792-05 |
1 Corinthians 15:41 | ἀστέρων | asteron | N GEN M PL |
of stars | of stars | of stars |
G792-01 |
1 Corinthians 15:41 | ἀστὴρ | aster | N NOM M SG |
star | star | star |
G792-06 |
1 Corinthians 15:41 | ἀστέρος | asteros | N GEN M SG |
from star | of a star | of a star |
G792-04 |
Jude 1:13 | ἀστέρες | asteres | N NOM M PL |
wandering stars | stars | stars |