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.
ἕλκος G1668 (hélkos)
The revised gloss corrects the original's assertion that ἕλκος is 'probably from ἑλκύω', clarifying that this etymological connection is uncertain and not linguistically established. The definition is also more precise, but the material disagreement pertains to etymology.
ἑλκύω G1670 (helkýō)
The revised gloss corrects the original's confident claims about the word's etymology, stating that the roots and the comparison to ἑλίσσω are uncertain or unsubstantiated. The original implies a probable connection, while the revised gloss is more cautious.
Ἕλλην G1672 (Héllēn)
The original gloss equates 'Greek' with 'Gentile,' influenced by translation tradition, whereas the revised gloss clarifies that while 'Ἕλλην' can sometimes broadly designate non-Israelites, its primary meaning is specifically 'Greek' by ethnicity or language. The revised gloss corrects the original's overly broad equivalence.
Ἑλληνικός G1673 (Hellēnikós)
The revised gloss corrects the original by clarifying that Ἑλληνικός pertains specifically to the Greek language or culture and is not limited to ethnicity or simply 'Grecian.' It highlights that context determines its precise reference, which is broader than the original gloss's narrow association with language alone and the simplistic identification as 'Greek.'
Ἑλληνίς G1674 (Hellēnís)
The original gloss equates 'Grecian' with 'non-Jewish,' whereas the revised gloss accurately defines the term as a Greek woman by ethnicity or culture and clarifies that the word does not simply mean 'non-Jewish.' This corrects a misunderstanding of the term's scope and meaning.
Ἑλληνιστής G1675 (Hellēnistḗs)
The revised gloss clarifies that 'Ἑλληνιστής' refers specifically to Greek-speaking Israelites who have adopted aspects of Greek culture, not ethnic Greeks. The original gloss is ambiguous and could be misinterpreted as referring to Greeks or simply non-specific 'Greeks,' while 'Grecian' as a translation tradition can further obscure this distinction.
Ἐλμωδάμ G1678 (Elmōdám)
The SIBI gloss corrects the Strong's gloss by clarifying that the identification of 'Elmodam' with the Hebrew name 'Almodad' is conjectural and the derivation is uncertain, whereas the original more confidently asserts a link with 'Almodad.'
ἐλπίζω G1679 (elpízō)
The original Strong's gloss asserts a derivation 'from ἐλπίς,' but the revised gloss clarifies that while ἐλπίζω is derived from ἐλπίς, the ultimate Indo-European root is uncertain, correcting any implication of a certain etymological source.
ἀκαθάρτης G168 (akathártēs)
The SIBI gloss corrects the original's use of 'filthiness,' which reflects traditional translation choices rather than the more neutral lexical sense of impurity or uncleanness. The original limits the meaning to 'moral' impurity, whereas the revised gloss clarifies that the term can refer to physical, ritual, or moral states, depending on context.
ἐλπίς G1680 (elpís)
The revised gloss corrects the original by stating that the precise pre-Greek origin of the word is uncertain, while the original implies a direct root meaning to 'anticipate' as a primary verb. This corrects an over-simplified or possibly incorrect root derivation in the original.
Ἐλύμας G1681 (Elýmas)
The original Strong's gloss asserts 'of foreign origin' without further clarification, whereas the revised gloss notes the etymology is uncertain and that the possible Semitic connection is not established. The revised gloss also moves 'wizard' from the definition of the name to its potential linguistic meaning, clarifying that the title's function as 'magician' is debated and not etymologically secure.
ἐλοΐ G1682 (eloḯ)
The revised gloss corrects the original's identification of 'Chaldean origin', clarifying that the term is Aramaic. It specifies 'my God' as the meaning and provides a more accurate linguistic source.
ἐμβάλλω G1685 (embállō)
The original gloss introduces a theological interpretation by specifying 'subject to (eternal punishment)' and suggesting the primary sense of 'cast into' is judgment. The revised gloss corrects this, stating the meaning is primarily concrete ('throw into') and does not inherently imply judgment or punishment. The revised also clarifies that figurative uses are context-dependent.
ἐμβάπτω G1686 (embáptō)
The revised gloss specifies that the word refers to briefly dipping or immersing a portion (like bread) rather than full immersion, clarifying that the action is momentary and partial, which corrects and narrows the more general and ambiguous wording of the original gloss ('to whelm on, i.e. wet (a part...etc.)'). It also corrects potential confusion with ritual immersion, distinguishing it from βάπτιζω.
ἐμβατεύω G1687 (embateúō)
The revised gloss corrects the etymology, noting uncertainty about the second element's base, while Strong's asserts a presumed derivative. The definition is also corrected: 'intrude into' reflects a tradition-driven, possibly biased rendering, whereas 'to enter into, to investigate or explore' better captures the term’s figurative nuance without importing interpretive bias.
ἐμβιβάζω G1688 (embibázō)
The revised gloss points out that the exact derivation beyond the preposition ἐν is uncertain, whereas the original confidently claims it derives from ἐν and the causative of ἐμβαίνω. The revised gloss also corrects the specific identification of the verbal element, noting a possible but not definite connection to βαίνω. Thus, the revised gloss corrects an overly certain and possibly incorrect etymological assignment in Strong's original gloss.
ἐμβριμάομαι G1690 (embrimáomai)
The revised gloss corrects the original's explicit etymological claim ('to snort with anger'), noting instead that while the verb conveys a vivid internal emotional response (including the idea of 'snorting'), the precise etymology is uncertain. The original overstates the etymological meaning by specifying 'to snort' as the source, which the revised gloss nuances and partially retracts.
ἐμέ G1691 (emé)
The original gloss suggests ἐμέ can mean 'my(-self)' (which may imply reflexive or possessive usage), but the revised gloss clarifies that it is strictly the accusative object pronoun ('me') and does not imply possession or reflexivity. The revised gloss narrows the sense to prohibit meanings suggested in the original.
ἐμμαίνομαι G1693 (emmaínomai)
The SIBI gloss corrects the original by clarifying that ἐμμαίνομαι refers to intense, irrational hostility or violent rage rather than general madness or insanity. The original gloss, "be mad against," risks being misunderstood as literal insanity, while the revised gloss emphasizes the directed, hostile nature of the emotion.
Ἐμμαούς G1695 (Emmaoús)
The revised gloss corrects the original's assertion that the name Emmaus is 'probably of Hebrew origin' and specifically linked to the Hebrew word יֵם, by noting that the etymology is uncertain and that possible connections to Hebrew/Aramaic roots related to 'warm spring' are not definitively established.
ἐμοί G1698 (emoí)
The original gloss incorrectly includes 'mine, my,' implying a possessive use, which belongs instead to ἐμός/ἐμή. The revised gloss clarifies that ἐμοί is dative and not used for possession, correcting the definition.
ἐμοῦ G1700 (emoû)
The original gloss incorrectly claims ἐμοῦ is a prolonged form of μόχθος, while the revised gloss corrects this by deriving it straightforwardly from ἐγώ and explicitly states that it is not from μόχθος.
ἐμπαίκτης G1703 (empaíktēs)
The SIBI gloss corrects the original's implication that 'ἐμπαίκτης' means or implies 'false teacher.' The revised gloss states it simply means 'mocker' or 'scoffer,' clarifying that the term does not inherently denote a false teacher, even though mockers may oppose teachings. This corrects a definition error in the original gloss.
ἐμπνέω G1709 (empnéō)
The revised gloss restricts the meaning to literal inhalation or breathing in, and cautions that figurative senses must be supported by context, whereas the original offered an explicit figurative sense ('to be animated by (bent upon)').
ἐμπορία G1711 (emporía)
The revised gloss corrects the original by clarifying that ἐμπορία primarily refers to the activity of trade or commerce, not merely merchandise (goods). Strong's reduces the sense to 'merchandise,' whereas the revised gloss makes clear it denotes the process or practice of buying and selling, not just the goods themselves.
ἐμπόριον G1712 (empórion)
The original gloss equates the term with 'merchandise', which refers to goods, while the revised gloss appropriately identifies it as a place—the marketplace or trading center—correcting the definition. The original conflates the location with the goods sold there, which is inaccurate.
ἔμπροσθεν G1715 (émprosthen)
The revised gloss removes 'against' as a core meaning, clarifying that 'against' is only contextually inferred and not inherent to the word's definition, correcting the original's inclusion of that sense as primary.
ἐμφανής G1717 (emphanḗs)
The revised gloss narrows the meaning, clarifying that 'ἐμφανής' refers to something clearly visible or evident, not necessarily manifested 'openly' or in public. The original gloss includes the term 'openly,' which could mislead one to think the word inherently signifies public display, while the revised gloss corrects this by focusing on the sense of clarity or obviousness rather than public exposure.
ἄκακος G172 (ákakos)
The SIBI gloss corrects the Strong's definition by clarifying that 'ἄκακος' does not mean 'harmless' in the sense of being incapable of causing harm or naive/simple, but rather innocent, guileless, and not inclined to do harm. It also clarifies that the term does not imply naivete or ignorance, countering Strong's inclusion of 'simple' and 'unsuspecting'.
ἐμφυσάω G1720 (emphysáō)
The revised gloss corrects Strong's claim that ἐμφυσάω is from ἐν and φύω ('to produce, bring forth'). The modern gloss clarifies that its etymology is related instead to φυσάω ('to blow'), rejecting the link to φύω as unsupported.
ἔμφυτος G1721 (émphytos)
The revised gloss corrects the original by broadening the definition beyond 'engrafted' to include 'implanted, inborn, or innate.' The original definition limits the meaning to 'engrafted' in a figurative sense, while the revised gloss clarifies that it refers more generally to something inherent or originating from within, not just something grafted onto another.
ἐν G1722 (en)
The SIBI gloss narrows the definition regarding 'instrumentality': while Strong's includes instrumentality as a typical sense, the revised gloss states that ἐν rarely indicates instrumentality or agency, and such instances depend on context. This corrects an overbroad claim in the original. Additionally, the original's extensive gloss list follows KJV translation tradition, whereas the revised gloss focuses on the consistent core meaning.
ἔναντι G1725 (énanti)
The revised gloss notes that the etymological formation from ἐν and ἀντί is debated, correcting the original's assertion of a straightforward compound, and broadens the semantic range with more nuanced usage notes.
ἐνάρχομαι G1728 (enárchomai)
The revised gloss corrects the original's mistaken inclusion of 'rule' as a possible meaning, clarifies that ἐνάρχομαι strictly means 'to begin' or 'to initiate,' and explains the confusion with ἄρχω ('to rule') is incorrect.
ἄκανθα G173 (ákantha)
The revised gloss corrects the original's assertion that ἄκανθα is probably from the same root as ἀκμή; the SIBI gloss states the term's root is uncertain and probably pre-Greek, not directly related to ἀκμή.
ἔνδειξις G1732 (éndeixis)
The SIBI gloss corrects the Strong's gloss by clarifying that ἔνδειξις does not inherently mean a formal declaration; it emphasizes visible manifestation or evidence, rather than a formal or judicial declaration as implied by Strong's 'declare.'
ἐνδιδύσκω G1737 (endidýskō)
The SIBI gloss corrects the nuance implied by the Strong's gloss; 'to invest (with a garment): clothe in, wear' is corrected to emphasize specifically the act of putting on or dressing (not merely 'wear'), pointing out that ἐνδιδύσκω refers to the process of dressing rather than the state of being clothed or wearing. Strong's gloss includes 'wear,' which is inaccurate for this verb.
ἐνδόμησις G1739 (endómēsis)
The revised gloss narrows and clarifies the definition to emphasize an internal structure or building, and corrects the original's possible implication of a general residence. It also avoids equating it with a general 'structure' or 'residence,' focusing instead on something constructed inside, such as an internal part of a building.
ἀκάνθινος G174 (akánthinos)
The original gloss defines ἀκάνθινος as simply 'thorny,' which implies a characteristic, while the revised gloss clarifies it specifically means 'made of thorns' or 'constructed from thorns,' describing something fashioned from thorns rather than merely 'thorny' in nature. This corrects a common oversimplification in earlier lexicons.
ἔνδοξος G1741 (éndoxos)
The revised gloss clarifies that 'ἔνδοξος' broadly denotes honor, renown, or distinction, not just 'glory' in a metaphysical or religious sense as suggested by Strong's. Strong's gloss, influenced by translation tradition, leans toward 'glory' and 'glorious,' while the revised gloss corrects this by including a broader range of meanings such as 'honored,' 'illustrious,' and 'renowned.'
ἔνδυμα G1742 (éndyma)
The revised gloss corrects the original's restriction to 'especially the outer robe' by noting that ἔνδυμα is not specific to type or function and can refer to any article of clothing. The original gloss's limitation is not supported by the evidence presented in the revised gloss.
ἐνδύνω G1744 (endýnō)
The revised gloss corrects the original's etymology by stating that the suggested root (ἔννομος) is incorrect. The revised etymology clarifies the word is related to δύνω and ἐνδύω, not ἔννομος. The primary definition is refined but not fundamentally changed; the main correction concerns the root derivation.
ἐνέδρα G1747 (enédra)
The revised gloss corrects the original by clarifying that the word denotes an ambush or trap in a primarily literal, not figurative, sense; and that 'murderous purpose' is contextual, not inherent. The original gloss's extension to 'murderous' and use as a figurative (metaphorical) 'lay wait' is too narrow and may mislead about the word's typical use.
ἐνεδρεύω G1748 (enedreúō)
The original gloss specifies 'plot assassination' as the figurative use, whereas the revised gloss corrects this by stating there is no inherent implication of assassination—the word generally refers to ambush or lying in wait, with the intended harm depending on context.
ἔνεδρον G1749 (énedron)
The original gloss narrows the meaning to specifically 'murderous design' when used figuratively, whereas the revised gloss corrects this by indicating a broader range of secretive or stealthy intentions to harm, not necessarily murder, and advises against importing connotations like murder unless the context requires it.
ἐνειλέω G1750 (eneiléō)
The revised gloss corrects the Strong's etymology, stating that the derivation from 'ennomos' is inaccurate and clarifying the true roots as 'en' and 'eilēō'.
ἔνειμι G1751 (éneimi)
The revised gloss corrects the original's etymology, clarifying that 'ἔνειμι' is formed from 'ἐν' and 'εἰμί', not from 'ἔννομος' and 'εἰμί'. The original gives an incorrect root derivation, which the revised gloss rectifies.
ἐνέργημα G1755 (enérgēma)
The revised gloss clarifies that ἐνέργημα refers to the result or effect produced by activity or power, emphasizing the outcome rather than the process. The original gloss introduces 'operation, working' as possible translations, which can blur the distinction between the result and the process, whereas the revised update specifically cautions to differentiate between them.
ἐνέχω G1758 (enéchō)
The SIBI gloss corrects the Strong's gloss by clarifying that the primary sense is to bear a grudge or animosity, not to physically ensnare or entangle. The original gloss's focus on literal 'entanglement' or 'snaring' is misleading for the Koine usage, which centers on emotional or accusatory hostility.
ἐνθάδε G1759 (entháde)
The revised gloss corrects the original's claim that ἐνθάδε comes from a 'prolonged form of ἐν,' stating instead that the exact formation is uncertain but it is related to ἐν and a demonstrative element. The revision narrows the etymological assertion, removing Strong's oversimplification.