Brief Overview of σής (Strong’s G4597: sēs)

Strong’s G4597: A noun meaning “moth,” specifically referring to cloth-eating moths that destroy garments. In biblical usage, it serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of earthly treasures and the futility of accumulating material wealth that can be destroyed by natural processes.

U- Unveiling the Word

σής represents a common household pest that destroys valuable textiles, appearing in Matthew 6:19 as part of Jesus’ teaching about treasures in heaven. The word symbolizes the temporal nature of earthly possessions and their vulnerability to decay. Early church writers used this image to emphasize the foolishness of hoarding wealth and the wisdom of investing in eternal treasures. Today, it continues to remind us that material possessions are temporary and that true security lies in heavenly investments.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σής, sēs, SACE
• Detailed pronunciation: one syllable: ‘SACE’ as in face
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European root meaning “to wound”
• Related to Sanskrit क्षि (kṣi) – to destroy
• Primary noun with no prefixes or suffixes

D – Defining Meanings

• Clothes moth
• Fabric-destroying insect
• Symbol of decay

For compound words:
Not applicable as σής is a primary noun

Translation Options:

• “Moth” – General translation
• “Clothes moth” – More specific
• “Textile pest” – Functional equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• βρῶσις (brōsis, BRO-sis) – eating, rust See G1035
• φθορά (phthora, ftho-RAH) – corruption See G5356
• διαφθορά (diaphthora, dee-af-tho-RAH) – destruction See G1312

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: 3rd

Examples:
Singular: σής (nom), σητός (gen), σητί (dat), σῆτα (acc)
Plural: σῆτες (nom), σητῶν (gen), σησί(ν) (dat), σῆτας (acc)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines σής specifically as the clothes moth. Thayer’s emphasizes its destructive nature. LSJ provides evidence of its use in household contexts. Vine’s notes its metaphorical significance. Strong’s connects it to concepts of decay. Moulton-Milligan documents its appearance in papyri discussing textile damage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:” Matthew 6:19

Additional References:
Luke 12:33

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σής powerfully illustrates the temporary nature of earthly possessions and the wisdom of investing in eternal treasures. Jesus uses this common household pest to teach about kingdom priorities, reminding us that true wealth lies not in material goods but in heavenly riches that cannot be destroyed.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient texts describe numerous methods for protecting garments from moths, showing the significance of this pest.
2. Early Christian ascetics often cited this word in teachings about voluntary poverty.
3. The term influenced medieval discussions about proper use of wealth.

Strong’s G4597: A noun meaning “moth,” specifically referring to cloth-eating moths that destroy garments. In biblical usage, it serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of earthly treasures and the futility of accumulating material wealth that can be destroyed by natural processes.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: moth, decay, destruction, material wealth, treasure in heaven, Jesus’ teachings, materialism, temporal things, wealth, Matthew’s Gospel, kingdom priorities, stewardship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​