Strong’s G4700: From an uncertain derivation, σποδός refers to wood ashes or cinders, particularly associated with mourning and repentance in biblical contexts. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sitting or covering oneself in ashes symbolized deep grief, humility, and penitence before God.

U- Unveiling the Word

σποδός carries profound symbolic significance in biblical and ancient Near Eastern culture. While literally referring to wood ashes or cinders, its primary theological significance lies in its use as a symbol of mourning, repentance, and humility before God. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ reproach of unrepentant cities, connecting to the Old Testament tradition of ash as a sign of contrition. Early church fathers saw in σποδός a powerful symbol of human mortality and the need for repentance. Today, this symbolism continues in Christian traditions, particularly in Ash Wednesday observances, reminding believers of their mortality and need for continuous repentance.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σποδός, spodos, SPO-dos
• Detailed pronunciation: sp (as in speak) + o (as in go) + dos (as in dose)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word σποδός (spodos) – basic form
• Possibly related to Proto-Indo-European *spend- meaning “to make an offering”
• No prefixes or suffixes in base form

D – Defining Meanings

• Wood ashes or cinders
• Ashes used in mourning rituals
• Symbolic material for repentance

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a root word

Translation Options:

• “Ashes” – general term capturing both literal and symbolic meaning
• “Cinders” – emphasizes the burnt wood origin
• “Wood ash” – specifies type of ash commonly used in ritual contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τέφρα (tephra) [TEF-rah] – volcanic ash or dust – See G5077
• κόνις (konis) [KO-nis] – dust, more general term – See G2868
• σάκκος (sakkos) [SAK-kos] – sackcloth, often used with ashes – See G4526

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: σποδός (ashes)
• Genitive singular: σποδοῦ (of ashes)
• Dative plural: σποδοῖς (in/with ashes)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ritual significance in mourning. Thayer’s notes its connection to repentance practices. LSJ documents secular and religious uses. Vine’s highlights its symbolic importance. Strong’s connects it to mortality themes. LEH traces Septuagint usage in mourning contexts. Moulton and Milligan note its use in papyri for both practical and ritual purposes.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 11:21: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes [σποδός].”

Additional References:
Luke 10:13, Hebrews 9:13

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σποδός reminds us that true repentance involves both internal change and external expression. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah calls us to genuine repentance and transformation. This word teaches us that humility before God isn’t just an internal attitude but often requires visible demonstration of our contrition and dependence on His mercy.

D – Did You Know?

• Ashes were often mixed with olive oil for ritual mourning practices
• The use of ashes in repentance rituals predates written history
• The early church adopted ash symbolism from Jewish practices into Christian observances

Strong’s G4700: From an uncertain derivation, σποδός refers to wood ashes or cinders, particularly associated with mourning and repentance in biblical contexts. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sitting or covering oneself in ashes symbolized deep grief, humility, and penitence before God.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: repentance, mourning, ritual, ash-wednesday, penitence, humility, grief, biblical-customs, ancient-practices, symbolism, ritual-objects, early-church, jewish-customs, religious-symbols, lament​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​