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Understanding Greek words like λιμός (limos) is crucial in Biblical studies as it sheds light on the deeper meanings and contexts of scriptural passages. This word, which appears in Matthew 24:7, translates to “famine” and is often associated with scarcity, hardship, and divine judgment. Its usage in the New Testament underscores the conditions that precede significant spiritual or eschatological events. Additionally, exploring the term λιμός provides insight into how ancient Greek culture viewed and depicted natural disasters and their perceived spiritual or divine implications.
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Greek Word: λιμός (limos) [pronunciation: lee-MOS].
Etymology: The term λιμός is derived from ancient Greek and retains a straightforward meaning: “famine” or “hunger.” It does not have a complex etymological root, but its significance lies in its depiction of extreme scarcity, whether literal or metaphorical.
Part of Speech: Noun. λιμός is a masculine noun that follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar. It is used primarily in the nominative and accusative cases to describe periods of famine or intense hunger in both literal and metaphorical contexts.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Case, Number, Gender:
λιμός is a masculine noun of the second declension with the following cases and numbers:
Case | Singular | Plural |
---|---|---|
Nominative | λιμός | λιμοί |
Genitive | λιμοῦ | λιμῶν |
Dative | λιμῷ | λιμοῖς |
Accusative | λιμόν | λιμούς |
For more on Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
The word λιμός is understood across various lexicons as a term signifying both physical famine and metaphorical hunger. In New Testament contexts, λιμός is often associated with divine judgment or as a sign of the end times, as seen in Matthew 24:7, where it describes one of the calamities that will precede the coming of the kingdom of God. In classical Greek, the term also retained its literal sense of famine but could imply social unrest or divine displeasure. Theologically, λιμός serves to remind readers of the temporal nature of physical needs and the necessity of spiritual sustenance.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
---|---|---|
Homer | Iliad | “The people suffered from a great famine ([λιμός]), as the fields lay barren.” |
Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “A famine ([λιμός]) gripped the city, weakening its defense.” |
Septuagint | Genesis 41:54 | “And the seven years of famine ([λιμός]) began to come, as Joseph had said.” |
The Greek word λιμός carries significant weight in both biblical and classical contexts. As a term primarily meaning “famine,” it appears in prophetic and historical narratives to describe physical and metaphorical conditions of scarcity. Its consistent use across various scriptures and texts emphasizes the importance of understanding it as both a literal and symbolic term, revealing deeper layers of meaning within the biblical canon and ancient Greek literature.
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
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