Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words like λῆρος (lēros) is crucial because it allows for a deeper comprehension of the text’s meaning and context. The word λῆρος is particularly significant as it appears in the New Testament in Luke 24:11. Here, it is used to describe how the disciples perceived the women’s account of Jesus’ resurrection as “nonsense” or “idle talk.” This term sheds light on the cultural and emotional responses to extraordinary events and reveals the skepticism that even the closest followers of Jesus exhibited. Beyond its Biblical usage, λῆρος has broader implications in understanding ancient Greek culture’s perception of rhetoric, communication, and truth.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λῆρος (lēros) [pronounced LAY-ros].

Etymology: The word λῆρος is of uncertain origin but is often associated with meaningless or nonsensical talk. It does not have a clear root in classical Greek, suggesting it may have evolved in usage as a colloquial term to express dismissiveness or skepticism.

Part of Speech: Noun. λῆρος is a masculine noun and follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar. It is used to denote a kind of talk or speech considered to be devoid of substance or truth.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Idle Talk: The primary meaning of λῆρος is “idle talk” or “nonsense.” It refers to words or speech that are considered empty, foolish, or not worthy of serious consideration. This is the sense in which it is used in Luke 24:11, where the disciples dismissed the women’s report of the resurrection as unbelievable.
2. Absurdity: Another meaning of λῆρος can be understood as “absurdity,” capturing a sense of something that is not just idle but also irrational or completely unreasonable.
3. Unfounded Rumor: In a broader sense, λῆρος can refer to “unfounded rumor” or “gossip”—speech that is not grounded in reality and often dismissed as unreliable.

Exploring Similar Words

1. κενός (kenós) [pronunciation: keh-NOS]: This word means “empty” or “vain.” Unlike λῆρος, which focuses on the content of speech as nonsensical, κενός is more about something being empty or without purpose, often applied to actions or things rather than speech.
2. μωρία (mōría) [pronunciation: mo-REE-ah]: This word translates to “foolishness” or “folly.” While μωρία and λῆρος both deal with ideas perceived as lacking wisdom, μωρία is more often used to describe the folly of behavior or decisions rather than just speech.
3. ἀνοησία (anoēsía) [pronunciation: ah-no-ay-SEE-ah]: Meaning “senselessness” or “stupidity,” ἀνοησία has a stronger connotation than λῆρος, implying not just empty words but also a lack of understanding or reason.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

λῆρος is a masculine noun following the second declension pattern in Greek. Its forms change according to the case and number.

• Case, Number, Gender:
• Nominative Singular: λῆρος
• Genitive Singular: λήρου
• Dative Singular: λήρῳ
• Accusative Singular: λῆρον
• Nominative Plural: λῆροι
• Genitive Plural: λήρων
• Dative Plural: λήροις
• Accusative Plural: λήρους
• Declension Table for λῆρος:

For more on Greek nouns, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In Biblical contexts, λῆρος is a term that conveys strong skepticism and dismissal. When the women who witnessed the empty tomb told the disciples of the resurrection, their report was dismissed as λῆρος, indicating that the disciples found their words to be incredible or nonsensical. In classical literature, λῆρος would often be used similarly to express disdain for something perceived as unworthy of serious consideration. This understanding aligns with the word’s usage in both New Testament and classical Greek contexts, where it highlights the human tendency to reject unexpected or miraculous reports when they conflict with established norms or expectations.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 24:11 – “But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense [λῆρος].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

λῆρος (lēros) is a Greek noun meaning “nonsense” or “idle talk.” It appears in the New Testament to denote speech that is dismissed as unbelievable or foolish. Its use in Luke 24:11 provides insight into the initial skepticism of Jesus’ followers regarding the resurrection. This term is valuable for understanding both Biblical and classical attitudes toward rhetoric and the credibility of extraordinary claims.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The word λῆρος only appears once in the New Testament, making it a unique term that carries significant weight in its singular usage.
• Fact 2: In ancient rhetoric, being accused of speaking λῆρος could undermine a speaker’s credibility entirely, reducing their argument to mere folly.
• Fact 3: The term is still used in modern Greek with a similar meaning, indicating how certain words carry their essential connotations across millennia.