γάγγραινα
gángraina
G1044 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A spreading, destructive ulcer or sore; specifically, a medical affliction marked by tissue decay. In Greek medical and non-medical texts, refers primarily to a progressive, devouring sore or lesion that spreads through the body, causing decomposition. Figuratively, in later contexts, describes a corrupting or destructive influence that spreads in a manner analogous to physical infection.
Semantic Range
spreading ulcer, gangrene, destructive or devouring sore, metaphor for spreading corruption or destructive influence
Root / Etymology
From Greek, likely derived from γαγκρᾶναι (to gnaw), emphasizing the 'eating away' or destructive action. The etymology points to its characterization as a condition that 'gnaws' at the flesh. Not related to Hebrew or Aramaic; Greek medical terminology.
Historical & Contextual Notes
γάγγραινα is a rare medical term attested in classical and Hellenistic medical literature (e.g. Hippocratic corpus, Galen) to describe severe, spreading necrosis—what modern medicine would call 'gangrene.' In these texts, the emphasis is on the unstoppable, devouring progression of the condition. In the New Testament (2 Timothy 2:17), used metaphorically to describe the corrosive and spreading influence of false teaching, compared to a destructive physical malady. The English 'canker' in traditional translations does not fully convey the severity and encompassing spread implied by the Greek term. While both 'canker' and 'gangrene' are historically used in English, 'gangrene' better reflects the original sense of rapid, spreading corruption leading to death of tissue. The term is not applied to moral or spiritual evil in classical Greek, but the metaphorical extension occurs in Koine Greek literature, including early Christian texts. Contrast with λοιμός (plague, pestilence), which refers to epidemic disease, not to localized necrosis.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (to gnaw); an ulcer ("gangrene"):--canker.
Root Family
γάγγραινα (gángraina) — to gnaw, eat away, destroy; spreading ulcer; gangrene
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1044-01 |
γάγγραινα | gaggraina | N NOM F SG |
gangrene | devouring ulcer | gangrene | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1044-01 |
2 Timothy 2:17 | γάγγραινα | gaggraina | N NOM F SG |
gangrene | devouring ulcer | gangrene |