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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding the Greek language enriches our interpretation of scripture, revealing the depth and nuances of the original text. The Greek word κρημνός (krēmnós) is particularly significant because it describes a “steep bank” or “precipice,” a term that appears in the New Testament to evoke imagery of danger, judgment, and physical peril. It first appears in Matthew 8:32, where it depicts the dramatic scene of a herd of swine rushing down a steep place into the sea. This term helps readers grasp the gravity and visual intensity of the narrative, providing insight into both the literary style of the New Testament and the cultural and geographical realities of the ancient world.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κρημνός (krēmnós) [kraym-NOS]

Etymology: The word κρημνός comes from a root that refers to something that is “hanging” or “jutting out,” often used to describe a cliff, steep bank, or precipice. It is a descriptive term that emphasizes the steepness and potential danger of a location.

Part of Speech: Noun. κρημνός is a masculine noun that falls under the second declension in Greek grammar. It is commonly used to describe geographic features that present a sudden drop or sheer face.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Steep Bank or Cliff: The primary meaning of κρημνός is “steep bank” or “cliff.” It refers to a high, steep face of rock or earth, often associated with danger or the edge of something.

Precipice: In a more figurative sense, κρημνός can mean “precipice,” emphasizing the perilous nature of being on the edge or verge of a steep drop. This can imply both literal and metaphorical danger.

Overhanging Place: Sometimes, κρημνός is used to describe an “overhanging place” or ledge that juts out from a steep incline, further accentuating the imagery of instability and potential fall.

Exploring Similar Words

πέτρα (petra) [PE-tra]: Meaning “rock” or “stone,” πέτρα refers more broadly to rocky terrain or a solid mass of rock. Unlike κρημνός, which emphasizes steepness and peril, πέτρα focuses on solidity and immovability.

ἀκρωτήριον (akrōtērion) [ah-kroh-TAY-ree-on]: This word means “cape” or “headland,” referring to a point of land jutting into the sea. While it shares the sense of protrusion or extension with κρημνός, it does not necessarily imply steepness or danger.

γκρεμός (gkremos) [gkre-MOS]: A more modern Greek term, γκρεμός is similar to κρημνός in meaning, also referring to a cliff or steep incline. It is used more frequently in contemporary Greek, while κρημνός has a more classical or biblical resonance.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: κρημνός is a masculine noun of the second declension. It changes form based on the case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular, plural) in which it is used. This affects its function within a sentence, whether as a subject, object, or possessive form.

Declension: The declension of κρημνός is shown in the table below:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term κρημνός is generally understood across Greek lexicons as a noun meaning “steep bank” or “cliff.” In the New Testament, its use is primarily literal, as seen in Matthew 8:32, where the word vividly portrays the steep bank down which the herd of swine rushes. This setting amplifies the dramatic nature of the narrative, serving as a visual and emotional climax to the story of Jesus casting out demons. In classical Greek contexts, κρημνός also maintains its literal sense but is sometimes used metaphorically to signify danger, risk, or the brink of a significant fall or decline. This dual usage across contexts—both literal and metaphorical—enhances our understanding of the term as it appears in ancient texts, revealing the flexibility and richness of its application.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 8:32: “And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place (κρημνός) into the sea, and perished in the waters.”

Luke 4:29: “And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong (κρημνός).”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κρημνός (krēmnós) is a descriptive noun meaning “steep bank,” “cliff,” or “precipice.” In the New Testament, it is used to create vivid and dramatic imagery, as seen in the story of the swine in Matthew 8:32. Classical Greek literature and the Septuagint employ κρημνός similarly, using it to describe dangerous or high places that signify both literal and metaphorical risk. This term’s study reveals its consistent use across various Greek texts to evoke vivid scenes and convey the danger of certain actions or locations.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The word κρημνός is often associated with narratives of danger or judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation described.

Did you know? In ancient Greek warfare, cliffs and steep banks (κρημνός) were strategic locations, often used for defense or ambushes.

Did you know? The imagery evoked by κρημνός helps us better understand the psychological and emotional intensity present in many biblical and classical stories.