ἔλυε
lýō
was breaking
to loose, untie, set free from bonds or restraints; by extension, to break up, destroy, abolish, or dissolve (something bound, united, or constituted). In literal contexts, refers to the physical act of loosing bonds, untying (a sandal, animal), or breaking (chains, seals). In figurative contexts, indicates bringing something to an end, rendering it invalid, or causing a dissolution (such as of laws, oaths, assemblies, or relationships). Also used of melting or liquefying solids.
John 5:18 · Word #13
Lexicon G3089
| Lemma | λύω |
| Transliteration | lýō |
| Strong's | G3089 |
| Definition | to loose, untie, set free from bonds or restraints; by extension, to break up, destroy, abolish, or dissolve (something bound, united, or constituted). In literal contexts, refers to the physical act of loosing bonds, untying (a sandal, animal), or breaking (chains, seals). In figurative contexts, indicates bringing something to an end, rendering it invalid, or causing a dissolution (such as of laws, oaths, assemblies, or relationships). Also used of melting or liquefying solids. |
Morphology V IMPF ACT IND 3P SG
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | V — Verb — An action or state of being |
| Tense | IMPF — Imperfect — Continuous or repeated past action |
| Voice | ACT — Active — The subject performs the action |
| Mood | IND — Indicative — States a fact or reality |
| Person | 3P — 3rd person — The one spoken about ("he/she/it/they") |
| Number | SG — Singular — One |
Common Translation
| Phrase | was breaking |
| Literal | was-loosing |
Lexical Info
| Lemma | λύω |
| Strong's | G3089 |
SIBI-P1 Translation G3089-01
was loosening
| Morphological Notes | Verb; imperfect tense (past ongoing), active voice, indicative mood, 3rd person singular. |
| Rendering Rationale | The imperfect active indicative, third person singular, denotes an ongoing or repeated action in past time. "Was loosening" preserves the core idea of separating by untying or breaking bonds while reflecting the continuous past aspect. |
View full lexicon entry for G3089 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
was breaking
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | P1 'was loosening' is less precise for the social/religious context; the action refers to Sabbath violation, so 'was breaking' aligns with SILEX figurative usage and normal Jewish idiom. |