Brief Overview of ἱδρώς (Strong’s G2402: hidrōs)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies allows us to grasp the deeper meanings embedded in the texts. The Greek word ἱδρώς (hidrōs), meaning “sweat,” appears in a significant context in the New Testament, highlighting human effort, physical exertion, or extreme emotional distress. Its usage in the Bible, especially in the Gospel of Luke, provides insights into the physical and emotional state of key Biblical figures, making it a crucial word for understanding the humanity and suffering portrayed in scripture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱδρώς, transliterated as hidrōs [hee-DROCE].
• Etymology: Derived from the root word hidr- which means “sweat” in ancient Greek.
• Part of Speech: Noun, masculine (third declension).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Sweat: The literal physical perspiration produced by the human body, often in response to exertion or stress.

Similar Words: Ἱδρώς is related to the word ἵδρωσις (hidrōsis), which also means “sweating” or “perspiration” but is used more specifically in medical contexts in ancient Greek writings. Another related term is κόπος (kopos), which means “toil” or “labor,” often accompanied by sweating but focuses more on the effort rather than the sweat itself.

Further Insights: ἱδρώς follows the third declension pattern in Greek. Its morphological structure can provide additional insights when examining its usage in different cases in the New Testament. Here is a declension table for ἱδρώς:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The lexicon defines ἱδρώς as “sweat,” highlighting its appearance in Luke 22:44, where it describes the sweat of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane as “like great drops of blood.” This imagery is often interpreted metaphorically to depict intense agony and emotional struggle.

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Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon defines ἱδρώς simply as “sweat,” emphasizing the physical manifestation of extreme emotional or physical strain. The entry also notes the unique Biblical context in Luke’s Gospel, suggesting a symbolic understanding beyond mere perspiration.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary points out that ἱδρώς appears only once in the New Testament, making it a hapax legomenon (a word that occurs only once within a context). The entry emphasizes its metaphorical significance in describing the profound agony of Jesus in prayer.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a broader definition of ἱδρώς as “sweat,” covering its general use in classical Greek literature to describe physical exertion or emotional strain. It also mentions medical texts where ἱδρώς appears in discussions of fever and illness.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἱδρώς (G2402) as “sweat.” The entry includes its root and provides its singular occurrence in the New Testament, with additional emphasis on its dramatic use in Luke 22:44.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 22:44: “And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly; and His sweat [ἱδρώς] became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.”

Classical Usage

In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, ἱδρώς appears in contexts involving physical labor, illness, or extreme emotional distress. Below are examples:

Summary of ἱδρώς (G2402)

The Greek word ἱδρώς (hidrōs), meaning “sweat,” is a vivid term used in the New Testament to depict the intense physical and emotional agony experienced by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Beyond its literal meaning, the word carries metaphorical weight, illustrating the depth of Jesus’ suffering. In classical Greek literature, ἱδρώς is associated with labor, struggle, and even illness, reinforcing its connotations of effort and distress. Understanding this word provides deeper insights into the human experiences and metaphors present in Biblical texts, bridging the gap between the ancient world and contemporary readers.

Did You Know?

• Did You Know? The description of Jesus’ sweat “like drops of blood” in Luke 22:44 has led to various interpretations, including the possibility of hematidrosis, a rare medical condition caused by extreme stress.
• Did You Know? In ancient Greek medicine, sweating was often seen as a sign of both exertion and illness, and texts by Hippocrates and Galen frequently discussed its causes and remedies.
• Did You Know? The idea of sweat in Biblical literature often symbolizes human toil and divine judgment, linking it back to the curse of labor given to Adam in Genesis.

This overview of ἱδρώς provides a comprehensive understanding of its meaning, usage, and significance in both Biblical and classical contexts, deepening our appreciation of its role in the scriptures.