Brief Overview of ἄκανθα (G173)

The Greek word ἄκανθα (ákantha) means “thorn” or “thornbush.” It is used to refer to the sharp, pointed structures found on plants, as well as metaphorically to describe something that causes pain or difficulty. In the biblical context, thorns are often symbolic of challenges, suffering, or obstacles.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G173 ἄκανθα (ákantha): Strong’s defines this term as “thorn” or “thornbush.” It refers to the physical spines or sharp projections found on certain plants. The term is used in both literal and metaphorical senses in the New Testament. For example, in Matthew 7:16, it is used to describe thornbushes that do not bear good fruit, symbolizing obstacles or difficulties that hinder growth or progress.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, ἄκανθα means “thorn” or “thornbush.” Thayer’s explains that the term is used literally to describe the sharp, pointed structures on plants and metaphorically to signify challenges, troubles, or suffering. The lexicon notes its use in biblical contexts to illustrate impediments or difficulties that affect one’s spiritual or moral journey.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB does not specifically cover ἄκανθα, but related lexicons and studies confirm that the term means “thorn” or “thornbush.” It is used to denote the physical thorns of plants as well as metaphorically to represent difficulties or obstacles. The term conveys the idea of something that causes pain or trouble.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἄκανθα as “thorn” or “thornbush.” It describes the term’s literal meaning related to the sharp projections on plants and its metaphorical usage to represent obstacles or sources of suffering. The lexicon highlights the term’s use in various contexts to signify things that cause distress or hinder progress.

In summary, ἄκανθα refers to a “thorn” or “thornbush,” describing both the physical sharp projections on plants and metaphorically representing obstacles or sources of difficulty. The term is used in the Bible to illustrate challenges and impediments in spiritual or moral contexts.