G2367
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words in biblical studies enhances our grasp of the cultural and historical context of the New Testament. The Greek word θύϊνος (thyinos), which refers to something made of “thyine wood,” is particularly significant because it provides insight into the value and symbolism of materials in ancient Greek culture and the Bible. This word reflects the wealth and luxury often associated with the Mediterranean world and is essential for understanding descriptions of opulence in New Testament texts.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θύϊνος (thyinos) [THY-ee-nos]
- Etymology: Derived from the root word θύα, which is a term for a type of fragrant wood, often translated as “thyine” or “citrus” wood.
- Part of Speech: Adjective (used substantively in some contexts).
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- Made of thyine wood
- Pertaining to or resembling the wood of the thyia tree, known for its fragrance and use in luxury items
Similar Words: ξύλινος (xylinos) [KSEE-lee-nos], meaning “wooden” or “made of wood,” is a more general term compared to θύϊνος. While ξύλινος refers broadly to any wooden object, θύϊνος specifically denotes something crafted from the luxurious and aromatic thyine wood, indicating wealth or grandeur.
Further Insights: θύϊνος is an adjective that can also function substantively to describe objects made from thyine wood, such as furniture or decorative items. It captures the rarity and value of this material in antiquity, often used in palatial or temple settings. This word’s morphology follows standard patterns for adjectives but carries a unique connotation due to its association with rare and costly materials. Below is the declension table for θύϊνος:
| Case / Number | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Neuter Singular | Masculine Plural | Feminine Plural | Neuter Plural |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | θύϊνος | θύϊνη | θύϊνον | θύϊνοι | θύϊναι | θύϊνα |
| Genitive | θύϊνου | θύϊνης | θύϊνου | θύϊνων | θύϊνων | θύϊνων |
| Dative | θύϊνῳ | θύϊνῃ | θύϊνῳ | θύϊνοις | θύϊναις | θύϊνοις |
| Accusative | θύϊνον | θύϊνην | θύϊνον | θύϊνους | θύϊνας | θύϊνα |
| Vocative | θύϊνε | θύϊνη | θύϊνον | θύϊνοι | θύϊναι | θύϊνα |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Describes θύϊνος as relating to “thyine wood,” a highly valued and fragrant wood used for making luxurious furniture and artifacts in ancient times.
Thayers: Notes that θύϊνος is used to describe items made from this rare wood, emphasizing the quality and status associated with such materials, especially in contexts describing wealth and splendor.
Vines: Highlights the significance of θύϊνος in the Bible, particularly in passages that describe opulent living or the grandeur of specific structures, indicating the luxurious nature of the objects made from thyine wood.
LSJ: Broadens the definition to include “anything made of thyine wood,” indicating its use beyond just furniture, to include various ornamental or valuable objects.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists θύϊνος as “thyine,” focusing on its use in Revelation 18:12 to signify precious, high-quality materials used in wealthy trade.
Related Scripture References
- Revelation 18:12 – “Cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron wood (θύϊνος), and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron, and marble.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Pliny the Elder | Natural History | “The thyine wood (θύϊνος) was considered among the most valuable woods, often used for constructing temples.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The carvings were made of fine thyine wood (θύϊνος), which was imported from distant lands for its quality.” |
| Pausanias | Description of Greece | “In the temple of Artemis, the doors were made of thyine wood (θύϊνος) to honor the goddess with the finest.” |
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | 1 Kings 10:11 | “And Hiram’s fleet brought gold from Ophir, and from there they brought much almug wood (θύϊνος) and precious stones.” |
| Septuagint | Ezekiel 27:5-6 | “They made all your planks of fir trees from Senir; they took a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you. Of oaks of Bashan they made your oars; your deck they made of pines (θύϊνος) inlaid with ivory from the coasts of Cyprus.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 41:19 | “I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane, and the pine (θύϊνος) together.” |
Summary of θύϊνος (G2367)
θύϊνος (thyinos) denotes objects made from thyine wood, a luxurious and aromatic material in the ancient Mediterranean world. Its biblical occurrence in Revelation reflects its use as a symbol of wealth and splendor. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, θύϊνος conveys a sense of quality, luxury, and religious significance, enhancing our understanding of the cultural and economic context of ancient Greek and biblical texts.
Did You Know?
The thyine wood mentioned in the Bible is believed to come from the Tetraclinis articulata tree, also known as the “Thuja” tree or “citrus wood,” which is native to North Africa. This wood was highly prized in antiquity for its durability, beautiful grain, and pleasant scent, often used in making fine furniture and temple doors. It was considered so valuable that it was frequently included in lists of costly goods traded by wealthy merchants.