εἶδος
eîdos
G1491 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Visible form, shape, or outward appearance; refers to the discernible aspect under which something appears to the observer—what is apprehended by sight. In extended usage, can also denote a kind, sort, or class distinguished by form. The dominant sense is the physical or perceptible shape or figure, but can, in philosophical and literary contexts, refer to an idealized form or essential appearance underlying particular things.
Semantic Range
outward appearance, visible form, shape, figure, fashion, kind, sort, visible aspect, sight
Root / Etymology
From the verb εἴδω ('to see, perceive'), related to the root meaning 'to see.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εἶδος is widely attested with the sense of visual form or appearance, but it also develops philosophical and technical uses, notably in Plato (where it becomes 'Form' or 'Idea' signifying the transcendent essence of a thing). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, it predominantly refers to visible shape, outward appearance, or visible aspect. For example, in Luke 3:22, εἶδος describes the 'bodily form' of a dove. Occasionally used to mean 'sort' or 'kind' (cf. 'fashion' or 'manner'), but this is less frequent. English translations often render it as 'appearance,' 'form,' or 'shape,' but these may not capture the possible range from merely visual presentation to philosophical category depending on context. No fixed religious or cultural connotation is implied by the term itself.
Translation Consistency
“Form” is the most natural, widely used English equivalent for εἶδος, covering visible shape, outward appearance, and the idea of a kind or sort. It matches the dominant physical/visual sense in most contexts while still fitting the philosophical/literary uses (ideal form). It was also the most frequent rendering in the P2 data and reads naturally across contexts, supporting the SIBI principle of consistency and idiomatic English.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εἴδω; a view, i.e. form (literally or figuratively):--appearance, fashion, shape, sight.
Root Family
εἶδος (eidos) — visible form, outward appearance, shape, perceptible aspect
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1491-02 |
εἶδος | eidos | N NOM N SG |
appearance | having seen | appearance | 2 |
G1491-03 |
εἴδους | eidous | N GEN N SG |
form | of visible form | of visible form | 2 |
G1491-01 |
εἴδει | eidei | N DAT N SG |
form | to visible form | form | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1491-01 |
Luke 3:22 | εἴδει | eidei | N DAT N SG |
form | to visible form | form |
G1491-02 |
Luke 9:29 | εἶδος | eidos | N NOM N SG |
appearance | having seen | appearance |
G1491-02 |
John 5:37 | εἶδος | eidos | N ACC N SG |
form | having seen | form |
G1491-03 |
2 Corinthians 5:7 | εἴδους | eidous | N GEN N SG |
sight | of visible form | of visible form |
G1491-03 |
1 Thessalonians 5:22 | εἴδους | eidous | N GEN N SG |
form | of visible form | of visible form |