Brief Overview of Δάκνω (G1143: Daknō)

Daknō (pronounced DAHK-noh, δάκνω) is a Greek verb found under Strong’s Concordance number G1143. The root of the word is δάκνω, which primarily means “to bite.” This term can be used in both a literal and figurative sense, referring to the physical act of biting, as well as metaphorically to describe actions that harm or injure someone, such as biting words or actions that cause emotional or spiritual damage.

Scripture References

Daknō is used directly in the following New Testament passage:

1. Galatians 5:15: “But if you bite (δάκνετε) and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.”

Detailed Description from Lexicons

In BDAG (Bauer, Danker, Arndt, and Gingrich), Daknō is defined as “to bite,” with the primary focus on the physical act. However, BDAG also notes the metaphorical use of the term, especially in passages like Galatians 5:15, where the “biting” is figurative, representing harmful or destructive behavior among people. The lexicon emphasizes that Daknō can convey both physical violence and interpersonal harm, depending on the context.

Thayer’s Lexicon supports this interpretation, describing Daknō as “to bite” literally, as well as metaphorically, to wound or hurt someone. Thayer’s highlights the term’s usage in contexts where physical biting is symbolic of aggressive or harmful behavior, particularly in relationships or communities where discord and strife are present.

The LSJ (Liddell, Scott, Jones) lexicon defines Daknō as “to bite,” particularly in the context of animals or humans physically biting something or someone. LSJ also recognizes the term’s metaphorical usage in literature, where biting can signify sharp or cutting words, actions, or intentions that cause harm.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance describes Daknō as “to bite,” focusing on its literal meaning but also acknowledging its metaphorical implications, particularly in the context of interpersonal conflicts and harmful behaviors as seen in Galatians 5:15.

Usage in Classical Greek Literature

In classical Greek literature, Daknō is used primarily to describe the physical act of biting, often in the context of animals. One example is in Homer’s “Iliad,” where biting is used to describe the ferocity of animals or warriors in battle. This reflects the raw, physical aggression implied by the term.

Another example is found in the works of Aesop, where animals biting one another often serve as metaphors for human behaviors, illustrating moral lessons about the consequences of aggressive or harmful actions.

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A third example is in Plato’s dialogues, where Daknō is used metaphorically to describe sharp or cutting remarks, highlighting the damaging effect that words can have, much like a physical bite.

Summary

Daknō (pronounced DAHK-noh, δάκνω) is a Greek verb meaning “to bite,” used both literally and metaphorically in ancient texts. While it primarily describes the physical act of biting, it also conveys the idea of harmful, aggressive behavior, whether in physical or verbal forms. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ highlight the dual usage of Daknō, emphasizing its relevance in contexts of both physical aggression and interpersonal conflict. The term is seen in classical Greek literature as well, where it often illustrates themes of ferocity, moral lessons, or the impact of harsh words. In the New Testament, Daknō is used metaphorically in Galatians 5:15 to warn against destructive behaviors within a community, showing how deeply the concept of biting can extend into the realm of human interactions.