Brief Overview of ἕλκος (Strong’s G1668: hélkos)

Introduction

In the study of Biblical Greek, understanding the nuanced meanings of words can significantly enhance our interpretation of scripture. The Greek word ἕλκος (hélkos) is a term that appears in contexts describing physical afflictions, particularly sores or wounds. This word is crucial for comprehending certain Biblical passages that discuss divine judgment, human suffering, and the physical consequences of sin. Its usage provides insights into ancient medical practices and the spiritual symbolism of wounds and afflictions in both the Old and New Testaments. Exploring ἕλκος offers a deeper understanding of how physical maladies were perceived in ancient Greek culture and how these concepts were adapted into the theological framework of the New Testament.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• ἕλκος (hélkos) [HEL-kos]

Etymology:

• The word ἕλκος is derived from the Greek root ἕλκω (hélkō), meaning “to draw” or “to pull.” This root conceptually links the formation of sores or ulcers to the idea of drawing or pulling apart the skin, leading to an open wound.

Part of Speech:

• Noun (Neuter, third declension)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

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Primary Meanings:

• Sore, ulcer, wound: The word ἕλκος primarily refers to a physical sore or ulcer, a painful, open wound often associated with disease or infection. This term is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts, depending on the passage.

Similar Words:

• τραῦμα (trauma) [TRAH-ma]: Meaning “wound” or “injury,” this word shares a similar connotation with ἕλκος but is often used to describe a broader range of injuries, including those caused by external force or violence.
• πληγή (plēgē) [play-GAY]: Meaning “plague” or “strike,” this word is more commonly used to describe a severe affliction or blow, often sent as a form of divine judgment. While ἕλκος refers specifically to sores or ulcers, πληγή encompasses a wider range of afflictions.

While all three terms deal with physical afflictions, ἕλκος specifically focuses on the type of wound that is ulcerative, festering, and often chronic, contrasting with the more immediate and acute connotations of trauma or plēgē.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a neuter noun, ἕλκος follows the third declension pattern in Greek. The word itself is relatively straightforward in its declension, maintaining the stem “ἑλκ-” across its forms. Table: Declension of ἕλκος (hélkos) Case Singular Plural Nominative ἕλκος ἕλκη Genitive ἕλκους ἕλκων Dative ἕλκει ἕλκεσι(ν) Accusative ἕλκος ἕλκη Vocative ἕλκος ἕλκη

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἕλκος as a “sore” or “ulcer,” noting its use in both medical and metaphorical contexts within ancient Greek literature. The lexicon highlights the word’s occurrence in the New Testament, particularly in the context of divine punishment in the Book of Revelation.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon describes ἕλκος as a “wound, especially a festering sore,” and notes its usage in the Septuagint and the New Testament. Thayer’s emphasizes the term’s significance in portraying physical suffering as a consequence of sin or judgment.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἕλκος in the context of words related to sickness and affliction in the New Testament. Vine’s notes the word’s connection to divine judgment, where physical sores are often depicted as outward signs of inward moral or spiritual decay.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a detailed overview of ἕλκος, tracing its usage in classical Greek literature, where it describes physical sores or ulcers caused by disease. The LSJ also mentions its metaphorical uses, particularly in philosophical texts discussing moral or spiritual corruption.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance identifies ἕλκος as a neuter noun meaning “a sore” or “an ulcer.” The concordance emphasizes its appearance in the New Testament, particularly in passages dealing with divine wrath and judgment, such as the plagues in Revelation.

Scripture References:

• Luke 16:21 – “And desiring to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores (ἕλκη).”
• Revelation 16:2 – “So the first angel went and poured out his bowl on the earth, and harmful and painful sores (ἕλκος) came upon the people who bore the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.”
• Revelation 16:11 – “And cursed the God of heaven for their pain and sores (ἕλκος). They did not repent of their deeds.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἕλκος (G1668: hélkos):

The Greek word ἕλκος, meaning “sore” or “ulcer,” plays a significant role in conveying the physical and symbolic aspects of affliction in both the Old and New Testaments. Its use in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, highlights its association with divine judgment and the physical manifestations of spiritual or moral corruption. Understanding ἕλκος within its Biblical and classical contexts provides valuable insights into ancient perceptions of disease, suffering, and the consequences of sin.

Did You Know?

The concept of ulcers (ἕλκος) in ancient Greek medicine was closely linked to the balance of bodily humors, a belief that dominated Greek medical thought for centuries. Ulcers were often seen as the body’s way of expelling harmful substances, which could also be interpreted metaphorically as a purging of spiritual or moral impurities in a religious context. This dual understanding of physical and spiritual affliction is evident in the Biblical usage of ἕλκος, particularly in prophetic and apocalyptic literature.