Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies allows for a more nuanced interpretation of New Testament texts and provides deeper insights into ancient Greek culture. The word ἵππος (hippos) is particularly significant as it refers to “horse,” a symbol of power, warfare, and status in the ancient world. This term appears in various contexts in both Biblical and secular Greek literature, reflecting the importance of horses in ancient societies and their metaphorical meanings in religious texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἵππος, transliterated as hippos [HIP-pos].
• Etymology: The word ἵππος is of Indo-European origin and has cognates in several other ancient languages. It is the root for words related to horses, such as “hippodrome” (a racecourse for horses).
• Part of Speech: Noun, masculine.
• Grammatical Details: It follows the second declension pattern in Greek.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Horse: A general term for a horse, often used in both singular and plural forms.
• War Horse: Specifically used to describe horses used in battle, symbolizing strength and speed.
• Metaphorical Usage: Sometimes used metaphorically to describe power, authority, or divine judgment.

Similar Words: ἱππεύς (hippeús) [hip-PEUS], meaning “horseman” or “rider,” is related to ἵππος. While ἵππος refers to the horse itself, ἱππεύς describes the one who rides the horse, often in a military context.

Further Insights: ἵππος is a masculine noun that follows the second declension in Greek. Here is the declension table for ἵππος:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἵππος as a noun meaning “horse,” commonly used in the context of animals, transportation, or cavalry. It is frequently mentioned in biblical apocalyptic imagery to symbolize power, war, and divine intervention.

Thayers: Highlights ἵππος as a noun that refers to “horse” and discusses its use in both literal and figurative senses, especially in prophecies and visions found in the New Testament.

Vines: Describes ἵππος primarily as “horse” and notes its appearance in passages related to warfare, conquest, and divine judgment. It is often used in apocalyptic literature to signify impending doom or victory.

LSJ: Lists ἵππος with references to its extensive use in classical Greek texts, from descriptions of horse races to military contexts involving cavalry. It emphasizes its importance in ancient Greek society.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἵππος (G2462) as “horse,” focusing on its use as both a literal and symbolic term in biblical literature, especially in the Book of Revelation.

Related Scripture References

• Revelation 6:2: “And I looked, and behold, a white horse (ἵππος): and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”
• Revelation 6:4: “And there went out another horse (ἵππος) that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.”
• Revelation 9:17: “And thus I saw the horses (ἵπποι) in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses (ἵπποι) were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Examples:

Summary of ἵππος (G2462)

The Greek word ἵππος (hippos) primarily means “horse” and plays a significant role in the Bible and classical literature. Horses were symbols of strength, power, and warfare in the ancient world, and their representation in biblical texts often carried metaphorical implications. The term appears in key biblical passages, especially in apocalyptic contexts in the Book of Revelation, where horses signify various aspects of divine judgment and warfare. Understanding ἵππος in its historical and cultural context provides a deeper insight into the biblical narrative and its symbolic language.

Did You Know?

• The word “hippodrome,” referring to a racecourse for horses, is derived from ἵππος (horse) and δρόμος (dromos, meaning “course”).
• Horses were considered valuable assets in ancient warfare and were often used in chariots and cavalry, as depicted in the writings of Homer and Xenophon.
• In the New Testament, the imagery of horses, particularly in the Book of Revelation, is closely linked with themes of conquest, warfare, and divine intervention.

Understanding ἵππος enriches the comprehension of biblical texts and classical literature, highlighting the significance of horses in ancient societies and the powerful imagery they evoke in various contexts.