Introduction

Understanding Greek words is fundamental to biblical studies because it offers a clearer interpretation of the scriptures and their cultural contexts. The Greek word θρίξ (thrix) is particularly significant as it literally means “hair.” While at first glance it may seem like a simple word, θρίξ has deep connections to ancient Greek culture and Biblical texts, symbolizing ideas of beauty, aging, and God’s intimate knowledge of His creation. Studying θρίξ allows readers to gain insight into metaphorical language and cultural nuances that can enhance the interpretation of the New Testament.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θρίξ (thrix) [threeks]
• Etymology: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *tr̥kʷ-, which relates to body hair or fur. This ancient root reflects how deeply embedded the word θρίξ is in both language and culture.
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine); refers to a single strand of hair or collectively to hair in general.
• Grammatical Details: θρίξ is a third declension noun. Its forms change based on case and number, which affects how it is used in sentences.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Hair: Refers to a single strand or a collection of hair on the head or body.
• Metaphorical Use: Sometimes used metaphorically to signify something minute or small, indicating God’s attention to detail.
• Symbolic Use: In some contexts, it can symbolize aging (gray hair) or the concept of glory and honor.

Similar Words: κόμη (komē) [KO-mee] is another Greek word for hair, specifically referring to hair that is well-kept or arranged, often used to describe beauty. θρίξ differs in that it is a more general term for hair, while κόμη has a specific connotation of hair as a crowning beauty or adornment.

Further Insights: θρίξ belongs to the third declension, which involves complex endings depending on the grammatical case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular, plural). Below is a declension table for θρίξ:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Describes θρίξ primarily as “hair,” noting its metaphorical usage in passages that emphasize God’s meticulous care or attention to detail, such as the mention of counting the hairs on one’s head.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Highlights θρίξ as “hair” and provides examples of its use in both literal and figurative contexts within the New Testament, especially in emphasizing the minutiae that God notices.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Explains θρίξ as “hair,” discussing its occurrence in scriptures where it metaphorically represents the smallness or seeming insignificance of an element, which is nevertheless under divine attention.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Discusses the primary meaning of θρίξ as “hair” and traces its use back to classical Greek literature, where it is also employed in a variety of figurative and symbolic contexts.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2359. Strong’s defines θρίξ simply as “hair,” providing examples where it appears in the New Testament and highlighting its symbolic significance.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 10:30: “But the very hairs (θρίχες) of your head are all numbered.”
• Luke 12:7: “Indeed, the very hairs (θρίχες) of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.”
• Acts 27:34: “Therefore, I urge you to take some food, for this is for your survival, for not a hair (θρίξ) from the head of any of you will perish.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θρίξ (G2359)

The Greek word θρίξ (thrix) primarily means “hair” and is used in both literal and metaphorical senses throughout ancient Greek literature and the New Testament. It represents not only the physical hair on a person’s head but also serves as a powerful metaphor for God’s intimate knowledge and care for His creation. This word underscores the value God places on even the smallest details of life, highlighting His comprehensive sovereignty and concern. In classical literature, θρίξ is used to convey ideas of beauty, age, and honor, providing a rich cultural backdrop for its New Testament usage. Understanding θρίξ thus adds depth to our reading of the scriptures and helps us appreciate the intricate ways language is employed to convey theological truths.

Did You Know?

In the ancient Roman world, hair was often seen as a symbol of social status and beauty. For example, elaborate hairstyles could denote wealth, and unkempt hair could signify mourning or distress. This cultural context adds another layer of meaning when Jesus speaks of the “hairs of your head being numbered”—it implies not just the minute details of God’s knowledge but also His care for every aspect of an individual’s identity and dignity.