Brief Overview of λοιπός (Strong’s G3062: loipos)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies opens the door to deeper insights into the text. The Greek word λοιπός (loipos), first appearing in Matthew 22:6, is significant for both its New Testament usage and its roots in ancient Greek culture. This word commonly refers to “the rest” or “remaining,” and it plays an important role in understanding narratives where distinctions between groups are made. By examining its use, we can better understand how early Christians thought about separation, inclusion, and those left outside key events.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: λοιπός (loipos) [pronunciation: loy-POS].

Etymology: The root word λοιπός is derived from the verb leipō (λείπω), meaning “to leave” or “to lack.” In classical Greek, this word carried the sense of something that is “remaining” or “left behind” after other parts have been addressed or removed.

Part of Speech: Adjective. λοιπός functions as an adjective meaning “remaining” or “the rest.” It often appears in the nominative, genitive, and accusative cases, describing people, things, or groups left after others have been dealt with or considered.

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Defining Meanings

1. Remaining or Rest: The primary meaning of λοιπός refers to what is left or remains. In Matthew 22:6, for example, it describes the “rest” of the servants who are mistreated, in contrast to the initial group invited to the wedding banquet.
2. Other: In certain contexts, λοιπός can mean “the other,” denoting additional people or things not yet mentioned or accounted for.
3. The remainder: It can also signify “the remainder,” particularly when discussing groups, indicating those who are left after a division or action.

Exploring Similar Words

1. ἄλλος (allos) [pronunciation: AL-los]: This word means “other” or “another” but is used when describing a separate or additional entity rather than something left or remaining.
2. ὑπολείπω (hypoleipō) [pronunciation: hoo-po-LAY-po]: This verb means “to leave behind” and shares a similar root with loipos. However, it focuses more on the action of leaving something or someone behind.
3. λοιμός (loimos) [pronunciation: LOY-mos]: While similar in form, this word refers to pestilence or plague and has a very different meaning from loipos.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Adjectives:

• Case: Nominative, genitive, dative, accusative.
• Number: Singular and plural forms exist for both masculine, feminine, and neuter nouns.
• Gender: Masculine, feminine, and neuter. λοιπός is adaptable based on gender, with forms like loipoi for masculine plural, loipai for feminine plural, and loipa for neuter plural.

Declension:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word λοιπός appears in various forms throughout the New Testament, and its use highlights different aspects of inclusion, exclusion, or what remains after key actions have occurred. According to BDAG, it consistently signifies “the rest” or “the remainder” in narrative settings, while Thayer’s emphasizes its role in distinguishing groups or individuals left behind after a selection. LSJ traces its classical usage back to texts where it described the remaining troops or individuals left after a battle or event. Vine’s adds that it is frequently used to discuss those who are not part of an initial group but remain significant in the broader narrative. Strong’s associates it closely with stories of divine invitation or exclusion, particularly in parables.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 22:6 – “The rest ([λοιποί]) seized his servants, mistreated them, and killed them.”
2. Mark 16:13 – “And they went back and told the rest ([λοιποῖς]), but they did not believe them either.”
3. Luke 18:9 – “To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else ([λοιπούς]).”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word λοιπός (loipos) is a versatile adjective found in the New Testament and classical Greek literature, often used to denote “the rest” or “those remaining.” In Matthew 22:6, it describes those who rejected the king’s invitation in a parable, giving insight into the themes of exclusion and inclusion. Its usage spans across contexts, from biblical narratives of divine separation to classical descriptions of those left after battles or important decisions. Understanding λοιπός offers a richer perspective on how ancient cultures viewed those who remained after others had been selected or removed.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: In classical Greek, λοιπός was often used to describe the remainder of an army after a battle, underscoring its association with survival.
• Fact 2: The word λοιπός appears frequently in parables, particularly in discussions about who is included in or excluded from important events.
• Fact 3: In both the New Testament and the Septuagint, λοιπός serves to distinguish those who are left after others have been taken or removed from the scene.