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γάλα

gála

G1051 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Milk; the fluid produced by female mammals for the nourishment of offspring. In the literal sense, refers to the natural drink from animals such as goats or cows, and as an article of diet. Figuratively, it is used for simple, easily digested teaching or basic instruction, in contrast to more advanced or intellectually demanding instruction (as contrasted with “solid food”). The core meaning always relates to nurturance and primary sustenance, whether physical or metaphorical.

Semantic Range

milk (literal); source of nourishment; simple or elementary teaching, basic instruction (figurative)

Root / Etymology

Probably related to a pre-Greek substrate word or an ancient Indo-European root (cf. Latin 'lac', Sanskrit 'ksīra'), but the precise etymology within Greek is uncertain. Not transparently derived from a productive Greek root stem.

Historical & Contextual Notes

γάλα is the standard term for 'milk' in classical and Koine Greek, found from Homer onward, with the same basic meaning of liquid nourishment from animals. In later Hellenistic usage and in the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 3:2; Hebrews 5:12–13; 1 Peter 2:2), γάλα takes on a figurative sense for elementary instruction or basic, foundational teaching, often opposed to στερεὰ τροφή ('solid food'). The LXX uses γάλα both literally (Genesis 18:8) and in figurative contexts. English versions often translate the figurative use as 'milk', but the underlying sense is about primary, easily assimilable instruction rather than substance per se. The metaphor parallels broader Greek pedagogical discourse distinguishing elementary and advanced learning. No significant differences in usage are noted between LXX, NT, and other Koine sources; English translations capture the literal sense, but may not always communicate the pedagogical nuance of the metaphorical use.

Translation Consistency

primary "milk" 5 occurrences

‘Milk’ is the natural, commonly used English word for this noun in both literal and figurative senses (literal animal milk; figurative basic/simple nourishment or teaching). It matches the SILEX range and is the most natural, consistent choice across contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; milk (figuratively):--milk.

Root Family

γάλα (gala) — milk, nourishment

Root γαλα- milk, nourishment

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1051-02 γάλακτος galaktos N GEN N SG of milk of milk of milk 3
G1051-01 γάλα gala N ACC N SG milk milk milk 2

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1051-01 1 Corinthians 3:2 γάλα gala N ACC N SG milk milk milk
G1051-02 1 Corinthians 9:7 γάλακτος galaktos N GEN N SG milk of milk of milk
G1051-02 Hebrews 5:12 γάλακτος galaktos N GEN N SG of milk of milk of milk
G1051-02 Hebrews 5:13 γάλακτος galaktos N GEN N SG of milk of milk of milk
G1051-01 1 Peter 2:2 γάλα gala N ACC N SG milk milk milk
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