Brief Overview of ἰός (Strong’s G2447: ios)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for accurate interpretation of biblical texts, particularly in the New Testament. The Greek word ἰός (ios), meaning “poison” or “rust,” appears in several New Testament contexts. It conveys both literal and metaphorical meanings, often representing moral corruption, decay, or destructive elements. This word helps readers grasp the imagery and symbolism used by the biblical authors to convey deeper spiritual truths and ethical teachings.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἰός, transliterated as ios [ee-OS].
• Etymology: Derived from a root word meaning “to go” or “to flow,” referring to poison’s or rust’s spreading nature.
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine).
• Grammatical Details: Third declension; singular; nominative case when referring to poison or rust.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Poison: Often referring to venom or a toxic substance, particularly in the context of snakes or harmful speech.
• Rust: Refers to the corrosive decay of metals, symbolizing moral or spiritual corruption.

Similar Words: φάρμακον (pharmakon) [FAR-ma-kon], meaning “drug” or “poison,” is another noun related to toxic substances. While ἰός refers more broadly to venom or rust, φάρμακον often emphasizes the medicinal or harmful effects of a substance.

Further Insights: ἰός is a masculine noun following the third declension pattern in Koine Greek. Understanding its declension is essential for proper interpretation in different contexts. Here is the declension of ἰός:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἰός as “poison” or “rust,” with examples of its usage referring to snake venom or the corrosive effects of rust on metals. It highlights its metaphorical use to describe moral corruption or evil speech in biblical texts.

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Thayers: Elaborates on ἰός as a term for “venom” and “rust.” Thayer’s lexicon discusses the word’s metaphorical significance in describing human sinfulness, moral decay, and the power of words to harm or corrupt.

Vines: Focuses on the dual meaning of ἰός as “poison” and “rust.” Vines notes that in the New Testament, the word is often used metaphorically to depict the decay of the soul or society due to sin and corruption.

LSJ: Provides a broader classical context for ἰός, including references to venom and rust in ancient literature. It discusses the term’s use in describing poisons in nature and its broader metaphorical applications in Greek rhetoric and philosophy.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἰός (G2447) as referring to both “poison” and “rust.” It provides cross-references to its appearances in the New Testament, highlighting its figurative use to describe destructive speech and moral decay.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 3:13: “Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they keep deceiving. The poison [ἰός] of asps is under their lips.”
• James 5:3: “Your gold and silver have rusted, and their rust [ἰός] will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἰός (G2447)

The Greek word ἰός (ios) serves as a potent metaphor in biblical literature, representing both literal poison and figurative corruption. It captures the destructive power of words and actions, highlighting the biblical theme of moral integrity versus decay. Whether describing the venom of a snake or the rust that corrodes metal, ἰός is a vivid image that communicates the corrosive effects of sin and falsehood. Understanding this word enriches our comprehension of New Testament warnings against spiritual and moral corruption.

Did You Know?

• The word ἰός can refer to the poison of various creatures, such as snakes, and is also used to describe rust that corrodes valuable metals, reflecting its dual meaning.
• In ancient Greek literature, ἰός was often employed metaphorically to discuss harmful speech or moral corruption, themes that continue into the New Testament.
• ἰός appears in notable biblical passages that deal with themes of deceit and decay, emphasizing the importance of purity in both speech and action.

Understanding ἰός provides a clearer insight into biblical teachings on the consequences of moral decay and the importance of maintaining a life free from corruption.