Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for anyone engaged in Biblical studies, as it allows for a more nuanced interpretation of the New Testament and a deeper connection with ancient Greek culture. The Greek word ἐλεφάντινος (elephántinos) is particularly intriguing because it refers to something made of ivory. While this term may seem to have limited significance in a religious context, its usage can provide valuable insights into the material culture of the time, the wealth and status symbols of ancient societies, and the symbolic meanings associated with ivory in both secular and sacred texts. Examining ἐλεφάντινος helps to illuminate the cultural and economic backdrop against which the New Testament was written, offering a richer understanding of the text.

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Key Information:

Greek Word:

• ἐλεφάντινος (elephántinos) [el-eh-FAN-tee-nos]

Etymology:

• Derived from the root word ἐλέφας (eléphas), meaning “elephant,” from which ivory, the material referenced by ἐλεφάντινος, is obtained.

Part of Speech:

• Adjective (First and second declension)

The F.O.G Word Choice:

• Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• Made of ivory, often used to describe objects, artifacts, or decorations crafted from ivory.

Similar Words:

• ἐλέφας (eléphas) [el-EH-fas]: This noun directly means “elephant” or “ivory.” While ἐλεφάντινος describes items made from ivory, ἐλέφας refers to the source material or the animal itself.
• χρυσοῦς (chrysous) [khoo-ROO-sos]: Meaning “golden” or “made of gold,” this adjective is similar in that it describes objects made from a specific, valuable material. Both ἐλεφάντινος and χρυσοῦς convey the luxury and opulence of the items they describe.

While both ἐλεφάντινος and χρυσοῦς refer to materials used in crafting luxurious items, ἐλεφάντινος is specifically focused on ivory, a symbol of wealth and status in the ancient world.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐλεφάντινος is an adjective following the first and second declension patterns in Greek. It is used to describe objects or materials crafted from ivory, a substance that was highly prized in the ancient world. Table: Declension of ἐλεφάντινος (elephántinos) Case Masculine Singular Feminine Singular Neuter Singular Masculine Plural Feminine Plural Neuter Plural Nominative ἐλεφάντινος ἐλεφαντίνη ἐλεφάντινον ἐλεφάντινοι ἐλεφάντιναι ἐλεφάντινα Genitive ἐλεφαντίνου ἐλεφαντίνης ἐλεφαντίνου ἐλεφαντίνων ἐλεφαντίνων ἐλεφαντίνων Dative ἐλεφαντίνῳ ἐλεφαντίνῃ ἐλεφαντίνῳ ἐλεφαντίνοις ἐλεφαντίναις ἐλεφαντίνοις Accusative ἐλεφάντινον ἐλεφάντινην ἐλεφάντινον ἐλεφαντίνους ἐλεφάντινας ἐλεφάντινα Vocative ἐλεφάντινε ἐλεφαντίνη ἐλεφάντινον ἐλεφάντινοι ἐλεφάντιναι ἐλεφάντινα

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
BDAG defines ἐλεφάντινος as “made of ivory,” highlighting its usage in classical Greek literature to describe objects of luxury and decoration. The lexicon emphasizes the association of ivory with wealth, status, and sometimes, religious significance.

Thayers:
Thayer’s lexicon also describes ἐλεφάντινος as “ivory” or “made of ivory,” noting that its usage is primarily in descriptions of precious objects, such as furniture or religious artifacts, which were often elaborately decorated with ivory to denote opulence.

Vines:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary discusses ἐλεφάντινος in the context of material culture, focusing on how objects described as ἐλεφάντινος would be perceived as luxurious and valuable. It emphasizes the rarity and significance of ivory as a material in ancient times.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon details the classical usage of ἐλεφάντινος, noting that the term was frequently used in Greek literature to describe items such as thrones, chariots, and statues that were adorned with or crafted from ivory. The LSJ highlights the term’s connotations of prestige and artistry.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἐλεφάντινος as “of ivory” or “ivory,” pointing out its application in describing luxurious items in both Biblical and classical contexts.

Scripture References:

While ἐλεφάντινος itself does not appear frequently in the New Testament, it is valuable to understand the context in which similar materials are mentioned, often to illustrate wealth, splendor, or idolatry.

• Revelation 18:12 – “The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory (ἐλεφάντινος), and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐλεφάντινος (G1661: elephántinos):

The Greek adjective ἐλεφάντινος, meaning “made of ivory,” provides valuable insights into the material culture of the ancient world, particularly in relation to luxury, wealth, and religious symbolism. While its usage in the New Testament is limited, understanding ἐλεφάντινος enriches our comprehension of the cultural and economic background against which the Biblical texts were written. Ivory was a symbol of status and artistry, and items described as ἐλεφάντινος would have been perceived as valuable and prestigious, reflecting the high social standing of their owners.

Did You Know?

Ivory was so highly prized in ancient cultures that it was often reserved for the creation of religious artifacts, thrones, and other symbols of power and divinity. The word ἐλεφάντινος, therefore, not only describes the material but also conveys a sense of grandeur and reverence, making it a significant term in both secular and sacred contexts.