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βδελυκτός

bdelyktós

G947 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Detestable, morally or ritually offensive; primarily meaning that which provokes disgust, revulsion, or abhorrence, especially in a cultic or religious context. Extended to describe objects, actions, or practices seen as abhorrent to social or divine norms.

Semantic Range

detestable, abhorrent, revolting, ritually impure, morally offensive, abominable, idolatrous (by context)

Root / Etymology

From the verb βδελύσσω ('to feel nausea or abhor'), which in turn appears related to an onomatopoeic root imitating a sound of revulsion. Cognate with the noun βδέλυγμα ('abomination, detestable thing').

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, βδελυκτός consistently refers to something or someone regarded with extreme disgust or considered repugnant, often on moral, ritual, or cultic grounds. In the Septuagint and in New Testament usage, the term typically renders Hebrew תּוֹעֵבָה (toʿevah), a term frequently associated with acts or objects forbidden by Israelite ritual law or considered offensive to divine standards, particularly idolatrous practices. In Hellenistic Jewish literature, βδελυκτός can acquire a more pronounced connotation of ritual and moral impurity. English translations commonly use 'abominable' or 'detestable', but such terms may not fully convey the sense of visceral repulsion implied by the Greek. Usage can denote both physical loathing and formal condemnation as ritually or morally unacceptable, especially in contexts denouncing idolatry or illicit practices. The sense of 'idolatrous' arises when the term qualifies acts or persons associated with forbidden cultic practices, but the word itself is not restricted to idolatry.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from βδελύσσω; detestable, i.e. (specially) idolatrous:--abominable.

Root Family

βδελυκτός (bdelyktos) — detestable, abhorrent, revolting, morally offensive, ritually impure

Root βδελυκ- to feel nauseated, to abhor, to find repulsive

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G947-01 βδελυκτοὶ bdeluktoi ADJ.S NOM M PL detestable detestable ones detestable ones 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G947-01 Titus 1:16 βδελυκτοὶ bdeluktoi ADJ.S NOM M PL detestable detestable ones detestable ones
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