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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words is essential for deepening one’s grasp of scriptural nuances. The Greek word ὀδούς (odous), meaning “tooth,” appears in both literal and figurative contexts throughout the New Testament. One notable occurrence is in Matthew 5:38, where Jesus refers to the “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” principle, highlighting both physical and moral dimensions. By unpacking the deeper connotations of odous, we gain insight into ancient Near Eastern legal practices and how Jesus reinterprets them in His teachings.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὀδούς (odous), pronounced o-DOOS.

Etymology: The word odous originates from Proto-Indo-European h₃dónts, meaning “tooth,” which is related to the Latin dens and the English “tooth.” It refers primarily to the tooth as an anatomical feature but also carries broader meanings connected to punishment or retribution.

Part of Speech: Noun (masculine). Odous is a third-declension noun in Greek, following standard patterns of Greek declensions for nouns that describe physical objects or body parts.

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Defining Meanings

1. Literal Tooth: The most basic meaning of ὀδούς is the literal “tooth,” as part of the human body or animals. It refers to the physical structure used for chewing and is often discussed in medical or anatomical contexts in ancient writings.

2. Symbol of Retribution or Punishment: In the biblical context, as seen in Matthew 5:38, the word takes on a metaphorical sense within the “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth” principle. This phrase refers to the ancient lex talionis, a form of justice in which the punishment matches the crime. The tooth here represents a component of an equitable response to wrongdoing, yet Jesus’ teaching moves beyond this literal retribution.

3. Suffering and Consequence: The word odous also carries connotations of suffering, as seen in phrases like “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12), where gnashing one’s teeth signifies intense emotional or physical anguish.

Exploring Similar Words

1. γνάθος (gnáthos) [pronunciation: GNA-thos]: This word refers to the jaw or jawbone. It shares a close association with odous but focuses on the broader area of the face and not just the teeth.

2. ὀφθαλμός (ophthalmós) [pronunciation: of-thal-MOS]: Meaning “eye,” this word is often paired with odous in the famous lex talionis phrase “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth.” It serves as another bodily metaphor for justice and punishment.

3. ἄκανθα (ákantha) [pronunciation: A-kan-tha]: This word means “thorn” and is used metaphorically in the New Testament to refer to suffering or obstacles. Like odous, it can represent something causing pain or difficulty, but it is not tied directly to retribution.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: ὀδούς is a third-declension masculine noun. It can be found in both singular and plural forms, depending on the context. For example, odous (singular) refers to a single tooth, while odontes (plural) refers to multiple teeth.

Declension:

• Nominative singular: ὀδούς

• Genitive singular: ὀδόντος

• Accusative singular: ὀδούν

• Nominative plural: ὀδόντες

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons such as BDAG and Thayer’s highlight that odous is used both literally and metaphorically in classical Greek literature and the New Testament. In the literal sense, it simply refers to teeth as physical body parts, but its metaphorical usage is where the word gains depth in theological discourse. In phrases like “gnashing of teeth,” the word conveys a state of extreme distress or divine judgment. Odous also has a legal connotation in texts such as Matthew 5:38, where it represents justice within the context of lex talionis, but the teachings of Jesus steer away from strict retributive justice toward forgiveness and mercy.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 5:38: “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth (ὀδούς) for a tooth.’”

2. Matthew 8:12: “But the children of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (ὀδόντων).”

3. Matthew 13:50: “And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth (ὀδόντων).”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Iliad “The warrior gritted his teeth (ὀδούς) in fury.”

Plato Phaedo “He clenched his teeth (ὀδούς) at the thought of death.”

Septuagint Proverbs “There is a generation, whose teeth (ὀδούς) are as swords.” (Proverbs 30:14)

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word ὀδούς (odous) offers more than just a reference to teeth. In biblical contexts, it carries both literal meanings and significant symbolic weight. In Matthew 5:38, the word becomes part of a broader discussion on justice and retribution, while elsewhere, it highlights human suffering in moments of divine judgment. By exploring its usage in both classical and biblical contexts, odous illustrates how physical and metaphorical meanings often intertwine in the Greek language, providing deeper layers of meaning in theological discourse.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek literature, gnashing one’s teeth was often a sign of intense emotional turmoil, much like today’s use of the expression.

2. The phrase “tooth for a tooth” reflects the ancient legal principle of lex talionis, or retributive justice.

3. In the Septuagint, odous is used in Proverbs to describe violent or cruel people, likening their teeth to weapons.