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ἔλεγχος

élenchos

G1650 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The act of presenting evidence for the purpose of conviction or refutation; in contexts, means 'evidence,' 'proof,' or 'convincing demonstration'; also refers to the process or content of critical examination that exposes a fault, or the resulting state of being convicted or reproved. Its primary sense is that of an argument or demonstration that brings something to light and allows for evaluation—often involving a corrective or judicial element.

Semantic Range

proof, evidence, demonstration, conviction, refutation, exposure of fault, critical examination, reproof

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb ἐλέγχω (elenchō, 'to expose, convict, refute, show to be guilty or wrong'), formed with the nominal ending -ος. Ultimately of uncertain origin, but well attested from classical Greek onward.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἔλεγχος primarily signifies 'cross-examination' or 'refutation', notably in the context of Socratic dialogue, where it described the process of reasoning used to expose an error or inconsistency. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, including the Septuagint and New Testament, the term had broadened to mean 'proof', 'evidence', 'reproof' or 'conviction', either as the process or the result. In Hebrews 11:1, for example, it signifies 'proof' or 'evidence' (of things not seen). English translations often alternate between 'evidence', 'conviction', and 'reproof', but none fully convey both the logical-demonstrative and corrective-reproving senses in all contexts. The word stands in contrast to ἐπίδειξις ('demonstration, display'), emphasizing dialectical or judicial exposure rather than simple presentation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἐλέγχω; proof, conviction:--evidence, reproof.

Root Family

ἐλεγχ- (élenxis) — to convict, to expose, to refute

Root ἐλεγχ- to convict, to expose, to prove
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1649 ἔλεγξις a convicting refutation
G1651 ἐλέγχω Expose and reprove!

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1650-01 ἔλεγχος elegchos N NOM M SG conviction convicting proof convicting proof 1
G1650-02 ἐλεγμόν elegmon N ACC M SG reproof a convicting proof a convicting proof 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1650-02 2 Timothy 3:16 ἐλεγμόν elegmon N ACC M SG reproof a convicting proof a convicting proof
G1650-01 Hebrews 11:1 ἔλεγχος elegchos N NOM M SG conviction convicting proof convicting proof
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