Brief Overview of σορός (Strong’s G4673: soros)

Strong’s G4673: A noun referring to a bier, coffin, or funeral couch used for carrying the dead to burial. In ancient near-eastern culture, it was typically a wooden platform or open coffin used during funeral processions. Its appearance in Luke’s Gospel marks a pivotal moment in demonstrating the Messiah’s power over death.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word σορός (soros) carries profound significance in New Testament usage, particularly in its sole appearance during the Messiah’s ministry. As a funeral bier, it represented the finality of death in ancient culture – a wooden platform used to carry the deceased to their burial place. However, in Luke 7:14, this symbol of death becomes the stage for a powerful demonstration of Jesus’ authority over death itself. The early church would have recognized this moment as a foreshadowing of the Messiah’s ultimate victory over death through His own resurrection. Today, this word reminds us that even the instruments of death become platforms for displaying God’s life-giving power.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σορός, soros, /sɔ.ˈrɔs/
• Pronunciation Guide: “soh-ROHS” (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• Root: σορ- (sor-) – relating to a container or vessel
• Suffix: -ος (-os) – common nominal ending in Greek
• Possibly related to the Proto-Indo-European *twerh₁- (“to enclose”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: A bier or open coffin used for carrying the dead
• Secondary meaning: A funeral couch or platform
• Extended meaning: A vessel for containing the deceased

Translation Options:

• Bier – Most precise translation reflecting its function in funeral processions
• Coffin – Common but potentially misleading as ancient near-eastern biers were often open
• Funeral couch – Captures the platform-like nature of the object

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κλίνη (klinē) /kli.ˈnɛ/ – A bed or couch, used for both living and dead – See G2825
• μνημεῖον (mnēmeion) /mnɛː.ˈmei.on/ – A tomb or grave monument – See G3419
• τάφος (taphos) /ˈta.pʰos/ – A grave or tomb – See G5028

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σορός (soros) – subject
• Genitive: σοροῦ (sorou) – of the bier
• Dative: σορῷ (sorō) – to/for the bier
• Accusative: σορόν (soron) – direct object

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines σορός primarily as a container for the dead, while Thayer’s emphasizes its function in funeral processions. LSJ provides additional classical usage examples, showing its broader application in Hellenistic culture. Vine’s notes its singular New Testament usage as particularly significant in demonstrating Jesus’ power. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence suggests it was a common term in everyday use for funeral equipment.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 7:14: “Then He came and touched the bier [σορός], and those who carried him stood still. And He said, ‘Young man, I say to you, arise.'”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 7:14.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The σορός, though appearing only once in the New Testament, serves as a powerful symbol of the Messiah’s authority over death. In touching the bier, Jesus demonstrated His power to transform instruments of death into platforms for displaying God’s glory. This word reminds us that in the Gospel, even symbols of death become opportunities for witnessing the life-giving power of God.

D – Did You Know?

• The word σορός appears in ancient Greek medical texts describing anatomical containers
• In some Greek colonies, stone sarcophagi were called σοροί (plural of σορός)
• The term influenced Latin “sarcophagus” through its association with burial containers

Strong’s G4673: A feminine noun denoting a bier or funeral couch used for carrying the dead to burial. Its singular New Testament appearance in Luke’s Gospel marks a dramatic demonstration of Jesus’ power over death, transforming a symbol of mortality into a platform for displaying divine authority.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: death, funeral, burial, resurrection, miracle, Luke, Jesus, healing, power, authority, life, hope​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​