Brief Overview of σπήλαιον (Strong’s G4693: spēlaion)

Strong’s G4693: A neuter noun meaning cave or den. In New Testament usage, it appears in significant contexts including Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (“den of thieves”) and descriptions of Christian refuge during persecution, as well as natural shelters and burial places.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπήλαιον carries both literal and metaphorical significance in Scripture. In Jesus’ temple cleansing (Matthew 21:13), it powerfully describes the corruption of sacred space. The word also appears in descriptions of persecuted believers seeking refuge (Hebrews 11:38). The early church saw special significance in its dual usage – both as critique of religious corruption and testimony to faithful endurance. Today, it reminds us both of the need for pure worship and the reality that following Jesus may require sacrifice.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπήλαιον, spēlaion, /speːˈlai.on/
• Pronunciation Guide: “spay-LYE-on”
• Part of Speech: Neuter Noun

Etymology:

• Root: σπέος (speos, “cave”)
• Suffix: -αιον (-aion) indicating place
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *spel- (“cleft, split”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Cave, natural hollow
• Secondary meaning: Den, lair
• Metaphorical meaning: Place of corruption or refuge

Translation Options:

• Cave – Most general natural formation
• Den – Especially in metaphorical contexts
• Cavern – Larger natural hollow

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μνημεῖον (mnēmeion) /mneːˈmei.on/ – Tomb, often cave-like – See G3419
• ὀπή (opē) /oˈpeː/ – Hole, opening – See G3692
• χάσμα (chasma) /ˈkhas.ma/ – Chasm, gulf – See G5490

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

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

Examples:

• Nominative/Accusative: σπήλαιον (spēlaion)
• Genitive: σπηλαίου (spēlaiou)
• Dative: σπηλαίῳ (spēlaiō)
• Plural: σπήλαια (spēlaia)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both natural and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its significance in Jesus’ temple critique. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples. Vine’s highlights its use in describing persecution contexts. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in property descriptions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 21:13: “And He said to them, ‘It is written, “My house shall be called a house of prayer,” but you have made it a den [σπήλαιον] of thieves.'”

Additional References:
Mark 11:17, Luke 19:46, John 11:38, Hebrews 11:38, Revelation 6:15

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπήλαιον reminds us that sacred spaces can be corrupted and that following Jesus may lead us to unexpected places. Yet whether exposing corruption or providing refuge, this word testifies to God’s concern for both pure worship and His persecuted people.

D – Did You Know?

• Many early Christian gatherings occurred in caves during persecution
• The word appears in ancient property contracts describing land features
• Early church tradition associates several key events with specific caves

Strong’s G4693: A neuter noun referring to caves or dens, used both literally and metaphorically in the New Testament. Significant in Jesus’ temple cleansing and descriptions of persecution, illustrating both corruption of sacred space and refuge for God’s people.

Part of speech: Neuter Noun

Tags: cave, den, temple, corruption, refuge, persecution, worship, Jesus, cleansing, Hebrews, martyrs​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​