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ἦχος

ēchos

G2279 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἠχ- to sound, to resound, to echo

Definition

A sound or noise perceptible by hearing, typically referring to a distinct, often loud or resonant sound; in specific literary or metaphorical contexts, can refer to a report or rumor that spreads by word of mouth. Its primary sense involves audible sound, but it can extend to cover more abstract senses related to the transmission or reverberation of information.

Semantic Range

clearly audible sound, noise, musical tone, roar, tumult, echo, report, rumor, fame, reputation

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root ἠχ-, which is onomatopoeic and related to sounds or echoes; cognate with the verb ἠχέω ('to sound, ring, resound'). The origin may be related to Indo-European roots imitative of echoing or ringing sounds, but direct connections remain uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἦχος appears in both classical and post-classical Greek, usually referring to any type of sound, whether harmonious (music) or tumultuous (roar of a crowd). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it often denotes a notable or overwhelming sound such as thunder, rushing water, or voices. Metaphorically, it could describe fame or report spreading through a community, likely drawing on the sense of 'reverberation.' English translations often render it as 'sound' or 'report,' but in certain texts (e.g., Luke 4:37), 'report' or 'fame' more accurately reflects the figurative use. Ancient authors such as Aristotle and the compilers of the Septuagint used ἦχος in both literal and figurative senses, but its root meaning of perceivable sound remained central.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; a loud or confused noise ("echo"), i.e. roar; figuratively, a rumor:--fame, sound.

Root Family

ἦχος (ēchos) — sound, noise, resonance, echo, report

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2279-02 ἦχος echos N NOM N SG a sound a resounding sound a sound 2
G2279-03 ἤχους echous N GEN N SG roaring of sound sound 1
G2279-01 ἤχῳ echo N DAT M SG sound I have sound 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2279-02 Luke 4:37 ἦχος echos N NOM N SG report a resounding sound report
G2279-03 Luke 21:25 ἤχους echous N GEN N SG roaring of sound sound
G2279-02 Acts 2:2 ἦχος echos N NOM M SG a sound a resounding sound a sound
G2279-01 Hebrews 12:19 ἤχῳ echo N DAT M SG sound I have sound
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