κεραία (G2762) — Greek Lexicon

κεραία

keraía

G2762 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A small projection or stroke; specifically, a minor stroke or mark in written script, often referring to tiny distinguishing elements in letters. In the context of Greek or Semitic (Hebrew) scripts, denotes the smallest stroke or appendage of a letter, which may alter meaning. Used figuratively for an extremely minor or least significant detail, especially in legal or scriptural contexts.

Semantic Range

horn-like projection, antenna or limb (classical Greek); small written stroke, distinguishing mark in letters (biblical Greek); minimal or least detail, especially in law or scriptures (figurative)

Root / Etymology

From the base of κέρας ("horn"), with κεραία signifying something resembling a tiny horn or projection. The term evolved to refer to the smallest distinguishing strokes in written letters. The formation as a feminine noun is standard for instrument or object-like nouns in Greek.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κεραία could signify "antenna" or appendage, such as an insect's antenna or a similar projection in animals. By the Hellenistic period, and especially in Jewish-Greek and New Testament contexts, its meaning became specialized to refer to the smallest stroked detail in either Greek or, more frequently, Hebrew lettering—akin to ornamental flourishes or distinguishing projections. In Matthew 5:18, for example, it is paired with 'ἰῶτα' (the smallest Greek letter) to express the notion that not even the smallest element of the Law (Torah) will be ignored or lost, emphasizing detail and completeness. Earlier English Bible translations rendered κεραία as "tittle," a term once used in English for a very small part of something, though its meaning is less familiar today. The application to Hebrew script reflects the period's Jewish scribal culture, where the precise formation of letters, including the addition or omission of small strokes, could result in distinct characters or alter meaning. Related terms include κερασίδιον (diminutive) and κόμματα ("dots"). In classical usage, κεραία has a broader semantic range (e.g., the apex of a triangle, or antennae), but in the New Testament and Septuagint it is restricted to scriptural or written context. The translation as "tittle" in English captures the intent but is archaic; modern renderings might use "smallest stroke" or "minor detail."

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

feminine of a presumed derivative of the base of κέρας; something horn-like, i.e. (specially) the apex of a Hebrew letter (figuratively, the least particle):--tittle.

Root Family

κεραία (keraia) — horn, projection, small appendage, tiny stroke

Root κεραι- horn, projection, small appendage

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2762-01`	κερέα	kerea	`N NOM F SG`	tittle	tiny letter-stroke	tiny letter-stroke	1
`G2762-02`	κερέαν	kerean	`N ACC F SG`	tittle	a tiny letter-stroke	tittle	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2762-01`	Matthew 5:18	κερέα	kerea	`N NOM F SG`	tittle	tiny letter-stroke	tiny letter-stroke
`G2762-02`	Luke 16:17	κερέαν	kerean	`N ACC F SG`	tittle	a tiny letter-stroke	tittle

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