SILEX Revision Notes
Strong's Concordance was first published in 1890. While it remains an invaluable reference, advances in linguistics, archaeology, and textual studies over the past 130 years have revealed areas where its glosses can be improved. These revision notes document where the Scattered Israelites Lexicon (SILEX) corrects or clarifies Strong's entries based on modern Biblical scholarship.
ἔξω G1854 (éxō)
The revised gloss corrects the original by clarifying that 'strange' is not an inherent meaning of ἔξω, whereas the original includes it as a gloss. The SIBI gloss specifies that 'strange' should only be considered in context, correcting the Strong's broader or potentially misleading definition.
ἐξωθέω G1856 (exōthéō)
The original gloss incorrectly includes 'thrust in' as a possible meaning, which the revised gloss explicitly denies, clarifying that the term only contains the sense of pushing out or expelling, not pushing or thrusting in.
ἑορτή G1859 (heortḗ)
The revised gloss specifies that the term refers to religious or communal festivals, especially those of Israelite tradition, and warns against generalizing it to any party or gathering. The original gloss simply says 'festival' and 'holyday,' offering a broader and potentially more general meaning.
ἐπαγγελία G1860 (epangelía)
The original gloss restricts the meaning of ἐπαγγελία by prioritizing 'especially a divine assurance of good,' implying a primarily theological or salvific sense. The revised gloss corrects this by clarifying that the term refers more broadly to a declaration or promise from an authority, not limited to God, and cautions against defaulting to theological interpretations unless contextually warranted.
ἐπαγγέλλω G1861 (epangéllō)
The revised gloss corrects the original by highlighting that the core meaning is 'declare, announce, or promise,' and specifies that 'profess' or reflexivity are not inherent to the verb but depend on context. The original gives 'profess' and 'reflexively' as part of the base meaning, which the revised gloss clarifies is contextual, not intrinsic to the verb.
ἐπάγω G1863 (epágō)
The SIBI gloss corrects the Strong's gloss by broadening the definition: Strong's restricts the sense to negative or judicial/punitive contexts (inflict an evil, charge a crime), but SIBI points out the verb does not inherently denote evil and cautions against restricting it solely to punitive/judicial senses.
ἐπαθροίζω G1865 (epathroízō)
The original gloss omits the second root verb ἀθροίζω in the etymology, instead listing it as 'ἐπί and (to assemble);' whereas the revised gloss correctly identifies the verb ἀθροίζω as the root for 'to assemble.'
ἐπαινέω G1867 (epainéō)
The revised gloss corrects the original's use of 'applaud,' clarifying that ἐπαινέω rarely, if ever, means mere applause but instead refers to thoughtful or reasoned praise or commendation. This narrows and specifies the original gloss to exclude the sense of mere clapping or acclamation.
ἐπάναγκες G1876 (epánankes)
The revised gloss expresses uncertainty about the compound's exact formation origin, correcting the original's confident claim of a compounded derivation. This addresses the etymology whereas the definition is consistent.
ἐπαναμιμνήσκω G1878 (epanamimnḗskō)
The revised gloss clarifies and sharpens the meaning to indicate an intensified or repeated act of reminding ("remind again" or "renew a reminder"), rather than just a simple act of causing to remember. The original gloss does not capture this iterative or reinforcing nuance.
ἀκμήν G188 (akmḗn)
The revised gloss corrects the Strong's assertion of an accusative formation and a certain etymological link to 'acme.' Modern scholarship suggests the derivation is uncertain and the connection to 'acme' is possible but unclear.
ἔπαυλις G1886 (épaulis)
The revised gloss corrects the Strong's definition by clarifying that ἔπαυλις refers to a dwelling, often a country house or homestead, and not specifically a 'hut'; it also expands on the nuance of the term, showing it is not necessarily temporary or small as implied by 'hut.'
ἐπαυτοφώρῳ G1888 (epautophṓrōi)
The original gloss narrowly defines the term as referring specifically to theft, while the revised gloss broadens the meaning to any crime or act, which is supported by the etymology and historical usage. The original's exclusive link to theft is incorrect.
ἐπαφρίζω G1890 (epaphrízō)
The original gloss introduces a specific figurative meaning—'to exhibit (a vile passion)'—which the revised gloss does not support, instead providing a more neutral, context-dependent meaning of foaming or displaying in a manner likened to foam. The SIBI gloss clarifies that the figurative extension depends on context and does not inherently carry the 'vile passion' connotation given in Strong's.
Ἐπαφρόδιτος G1891 (Epaphróditos)
The revised gloss clarifies the meaning of the name as 'belonging to Aphrodite' or 'favored by Aphrodite,' correcting Strong's more ambiguous 'in the sense of devoted to' and omitting the use of 'Venus' (the Roman equivalent) as the direct referent. The SIBI gloss also properly explains that 'of Aphrodite' is a more accurate meaning than 'devoted to.'
ἐπεί G1893 (epeí)
The original gloss includes temporal meanings and translation equivalents (e.g., 'when,' 'else,' 'otherwise') that the revised gloss narrows by identifying ἐπεί as primarily indicating cause or reason, not strictly temporal or consequential in function. The revised gloss corrects the definition by excluding time-based or conditional senses not typically attested for this word.
ἐπειδή G1894 (epeidḗ)
The revised gloss corrects the original by clarifying that the primary use of ἐπειδή is causal ('since','because'), while the temporal sense ('when') given by Strong's is rare and context-dependent in Koine Greek. The revised gloss narrows the definition, emphasizing the word's main function as introducing reason or explanation.
ἐπεῖδον G1896 (epeîdon)
The original gloss suggests ἐπεῖδον can mean to 'regard (favorably or otherwise),' implying it may include favorable or unfavorable regard. The revised gloss clarifies that the word simply means to observe or look upon attentively, and any favorable or unfavorable sense must be determined by context, not inherent in the word itself. This corrects a definitional bias in the original gloss.
ἐπεισαγωγή G1898 (epeisagōgḗ)
The SIBI gloss corrects the original Strong's definition by specifying that ἐπεισαγωγή refers to the introduction of something additional, supplementary, or secondary—not simply any 'bringing in.' The original gloss lacks the nuance that the term implies an insertion in addition to or replacing something existing, so the SIBI gloss clarifies and narrows the definition.
ἀκολουθέω G190 (akolouthéō)
The revised gloss corrects the original's inclusion of 'reach' as part of the meaning, clarifying that ἀκολουθέω does not inherently imply 'reaching' a destination but simply means to follow or accompany. This narrows the definition from the broader implication in Strong's.
ἐπενδύομαι G1902 (ependýomai)
The original gives the etymology as 'middle voice from ἐπί and ἐνδύω', but the revised clarifies that the base is ἐνδύομαι (middle/passive), not just ἐνδύω, making the original's etymology oversimplified or imprecise.
ἐπενδύτης G1903 (ependýtēs)
The revised gloss clarifies that the core meaning is 'outer garment' or 'cloak' worn over a tunic, and that 'fisher's coat' is a specific contextual translation rather than the general definition. The original Strong's gloss equates the word more narrowly (and somewhat misleadingly) with 'fisher's coat,' reflecting translation tradition rather than the word's broader lexical meaning.
ἐπέρχομαι G1904 (epérchomai)
The original gloss includes senses such as 'impend' and 'attack,' which carry a connotation of threat or aggression. The revised gloss explicitly corrects this by clarifying the word is not inherently violent or aggressive, indicating the original definition is overly narrow or biased toward a threatening nuance.
ἐπερωτάω G1905 (eperōtáō)
The revised gloss corrects the original's implication that the term can mean 'demand.' The revised notes it does not inherently mean 'to demand,' but rather to ask, request, or inquire, and clarifies nuance depending on context. The revised also cautions against importing later theological interpretations in specific passages; however, the core disagreement is with the broader and possibly overstated meaning 'demand' present in the original.
ἐπερώτημα G1906 (eperṓtēma)
The original gloss includes 'answer' as a possible meaning, while the revised gloss corrects this by clarifying that the term denotes a question, inquiry, or request, and does not inherently mean 'answer.' The revised also expands the possible contextual meanings to include 'appeal' or 'pledge,' which provides a more accurate range of usage.
ἐπηρεάζω G1908 (epēreázō)
The original gloss asserts that the word derives from a comparative of ἐπί and (probably) threats, whereas the revised gloss indicates the exact derivation is uncertain and that the original root guess is speculative. This corrects the Strong's etymological claim.
ἐπί G1909 (epí)
The revised gloss narrows and corrects the definition by stating ἐπί does not inherently convey duration or distribution except as context demands, whereas Strong's gloss suggests these meanings as if they are intrinsic. The revised gloss also clarifies that meanings should depend on case and context, suggesting the original over-extends some figurative senses.
ἐπιβαίνω G1910 (epibaínō)
The revised gloss narrows and clarifies the definition. It corrects the original by specifying that ἐπιβαίνω refers more specifically to stepping onto, boarding, or entering a place or object, not just a general 'arrival' or 'sitting.' The original gloss's broad glosses like 'arrive,' 'sit upon,' and 'go abroad' do not always accurately reflect the primary lexical sense according to modern scholarship.
ἐπιβάλλω G1911 (epibállō)
The revised gloss narrows and clarifies the primary meaning to focus on 'putting' or 'placing upon,' correcting the Strong's emphasis on reflexive and impersonal uses as primary rather than as contextual idioms. The revised gloss also removes some questionable nuances like 'to reflect' and clarifies that the sense of force is context-dependent.
ἐπιβαρέω G1912 (epibaréō)
The original gloss narrows the meaning mainly to financial burden and includes 'to be severe towards,' while the revised gloss corrects this by stating the action is not inherently severe nor limited to monetary contexts, but refers broadly to imposing any burden or demand, literal or figurative.
ἐπιβιβάζω G1913 (epibibázō)
The revised gloss broadens the definition beyond 'set on' (an animal) to include placing a person or object upon any item, not just animals. The original Strong's gloss restricts the meaning to mounting an animal, while the revised gloss indicates a more general verb of placement or ascent.
ἐπιβλέπω G1914 (epiblépō)
The revised gloss corrects the original's claim that ἐπιβλέπω inherently means to look with favor, pity, or partiality, clarifying that the verb simply means to look at or direct one's gaze upon, and that any emotional nuance comes from context, not the word itself.
ἐπιβοάω G1916 (epiboáō)
The original gloss 'to exclaim against' suggests hostility or opposition, whereas the revised gloss clarifies that the term generally means to cry out toward someone, with no necessary hostile sense. The revised gloss corrects the notion that the word inherently implies 'against,' aligning the meaning more closely with urgency or address rather than opposition.
ἐπιβουλή G1917 (epiboulḗ)
The original gloss includes 'lying in wait' as a possible meaning, suggesting a nuance of ambush inherent in the word, while the revised gloss corrects this, emphasizing that such a nuance is not directly present in the term itself but must be contextually derived.
ἐπιγαμβρεύω G1918 (epigambreúō)
The SIBI gloss corrects the original by clarifying that the verb specifically refers to entering into a brother-in-law relationship through levirate marriage, not just forming any affinity or marrying. The original gloss is overly broad ('marry'), while the revised gloss narrows the definition to the specific levirate context.
ἐπίγειος G1919 (epígeios)
The SIBI gloss explicitly corrects Strong's by stating that ἐπίγειος does not inherently carry a negative or moral connotation; the meaning is context-dependent. Strong's gloss introduces a moral aspect ('physically or morally'), which the SIBI gloss removes.
ἐπιγίνομαι G1920 (epigínomai)
The original gloss restricts the definition to wind ('blow'), while the revised gloss broadens it to include various phenomena that come upon, appear, or arise suddenly—not limited to wind. The revised definition corrects the narrowness of the original and clarifies that context determines the nuance.
ἐπιγραφή G1923 (epigraphḗ)
The original gloss restricts the meaning to 'superscription' (an inscription above something), whereas the revised gloss clarifies that the word broadly means any 'inscription' or written text, not necessarily only those above; it corrects an overly narrow definition.
ἐπιγράφω G1924 (epigráphō)
The original gloss includes 'physically or mentally', implying metaphorical or mental inscription, whereas the revised gloss clarifies the term is generally used in the concrete sense of physical inscription. This corrects an over-broadening in the original definition.
ἐπιδείκνυμι G1925 (epideíknymi)
The revised gloss broadens the definition, clarifying that ἐπιδείκνυμι refers to more than just a physical or mental 'shewing'; it includes the sense of openly demonstrating, pointing out, or making an argument, both literally and figuratively. The original gloss narrows the meaning to 'exhibit (physically or mentally): shew,' which the revised gloss corrects as too restrictive.
ἐπιδέχομαι G1926 (epidéchomai)
The original gloss specifies 'to admit (as a guest or (figuratively) teacher):--receive,' which imposes a specific figurative nuance of 'teacher' that the revised gloss corrects. The revised gloss clarifies that the word does not intrinsically carry the nuance of receiving a teacher or person in authority unless the context demands, thereby correcting a narrowing of meaning in the original.
ἐπιδημέω G1927 (epidēméō)
The revised gloss corrects the original gloss by clarifying that ἐπιδημέω refers to temporary residence or sojourning, not necessarily in a foreign country or as a 'stranger.' The original gloss overemphasizes foreignness and strangeness, which the revised gloss shows is not inherent in the term.
ἀκρατής G193 (akratḗs)
The SIBI gloss corrects the Strong's gloss by clarifying that the term refers to lack of self-restraint, not general powerlessness. It further notes that the translation 'incontinent' is outdated and can be misleading, emphasizing the ethical rather than physical aspect of the word's meaning.
ἐπιείκεια G1932 (epieíkeia)
The SIBI gloss corrects the original by clarifying that ἐπιείκεια refers not just to 'clemency' or 'gentleness,' but to fairness or reasonableness—a quality of moderation that tempers strict justice with equity. The original gloss narrows the meaning to mildness or gentleness, missing the broader and more nuanced sense of reasonable fairness in actions and judgments.
ἐπιεικής G1933 (epieikḗs)
The revised gloss corrects the original's etymology by noting the derivation is uncertain; the original claims a derivation from εἴκω, whereas the revised gloss highlights the connection to 'eikos' and indicates the exact root is unclear.
ἐπιζητέω G1934 (epizētéō)
The SIBI gloss corrects the Strong's gloss by clarifying that ἐπιζητέω does not inherently imply 'to demand' or 'to crave,' but rather means 'to seek earnestly' or 'to inquire about' with diligence. Strong's introduces connotations of demanding or craving that are not present in the lexical meaning of the word.
ἐπιθυμέω G1937 (epithyméō)
The revised gloss corrects the original's implication that 'lust' or 'covet' are the main senses, clarifying the verb's general meaning: 'to strongly desire' in both positive and negative contexts, not just negative or sexual. The revised also notes the wider semantic range, countering the more narrow rendering in the original.
ἐπιθυμητής G1938 (epithymētḗs)
The revised gloss corrects the original's narrow sense of '(one who) lusts after.' The updated definition clarifies that the term means 'one who desires or longs for something' and is not inherently negative—whereas 'lust after' is both narrowly sexual and distinctly negative.
ἐπιθυμία G1939 (epithymía)
The Strong's gloss restricts the meaning to negative or forbidden desires (lust, concupiscence), while the revised gloss corrects this by noting that the term can refer to any strong desire, good or bad, depending on context. The revised also notes possible positive usages, which Strong's gloss ignores.
ἐπικάλυμα G1942 (epikályma)
The original gloss assigns the meaning 'cloke,' reflecting English translation tradition and possibly implying a specific article of clothing, an anachronistic render for the Greek word which refers more generally to a covering or pretext. The revised gloss clarifies that the term can indicate any covering, literal or figurative, and warns against narrowly equating it with a cloak or clothing unless context requires.