Brief Overview of ἀκάνθινος (Strong’s G174:)

The Greek word ἀκάνθινος (akánthinos) means “thorny” or “spiny.” It is an adjective used to describe something that is covered with or resembles thorns or spines. This term can be applied both literally, to objects or plants with actual thorns, and metaphorically, to situations or conditions that are troublesome or difficult.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G174 ἀκάνθινος (akánthinos): Strong’s defines this term as “thorny” or “spiny.” It is used to describe objects or plants that are covered in thorns or spines. In the New Testament, it is often used metaphorically to refer to difficult or challenging situations, reflecting the nature of thorns as obstacles or sources of discomfort. For instance, in Matthew 7:16, the term is used to describe thorny plants as a metaphor for unfruitful or obstructive influences.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, ἀκάνθινος means “thorny” or “spiny.” Thayer’s explains that the term refers to things that have thorns or spines, and it can also describe metaphorically challenging or troublesome conditions. The lexicon notes its usage in contexts where the presence of thorns is indicative of difficulty or obstruction, both in a literal and figurative sense.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB does not specifically cover ἀκάνθινος, but related lexical studies confirm that the term means “thorny” or “spiny.” It denotes objects or plants with thorns and can also imply metaphorically challenging or obstructive situations. The term conveys the idea of something that causes trouble or discomfort, similar to physical thorns.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀκάνθινος as “thorny” or “spiny.” It describes the term’s literal use for objects or plants with thorns and its metaphorical application to situations or conditions that are difficult or troublesome. The lexicon highlights the term’s role in illustrating obstacles or sources of difficulty.

In summary, ἀκάνθινος refers to something “thorny” or “spiny,” describing both literal thorns on plants and metaphorically challenging situations. The term emphasizes obstacles or difficulties that cause discomfort or hinder progress.