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κλάδος

kládos

G2798 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A shoot, sprout, or branch growing from a tree, shrub, or similar plant; typically denotes a living offshoot that bears leaves or fruit. In broader contexts, can refer to any significant limb or offshoot from a larger plant, sometimes symbolically used to indicate descent, a subgroup, or a new development from an original source.

Semantic Range

branch, bough, shoot, sprout, offshoot, descendant (figurative); division or subgroup (metaphorical)

Root / Etymology

From the verb κλάω (“to break”), indicating something broken off or separated from a larger whole, but in usage often referring more generally to a living sprout or shoot.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κλάδος primarily denoted a shoot, bough, or branch of a tree or bush, with connotations of growth and vitality rather than a broken-off item. It appears frequently in Hellenistic literature and the Septuagint with similar meaning, and carries agricultural and symbolic resonance (e.g., representing new growth, lineage, or derivation). In the New Testament, κλάδος is used both literally (as the limb of a plant) and metaphorically, such as for individuals or groups derived from a foundational source. English translations typically render the word as 'branch' or 'bough,' but may overlook its nuances of growth and organic connection. Distinct from ῥάβδος (“rod, staff”) which refers to a stick or rod and from φυτόν (“plant”) referring more broadly to any plant or vegetation. In the LXX and NT, κλάδος carries symbolic significance in prophetic and parabolic language, often related to the notion of new beginnings or inheritance.

Translation Consistency

primary "branch" 11 occurrences

'Branch' is the most natural, common English equivalent and matches the majority of existing renderings (branches/branch). It covers literal senses (shoot, bough, offshoot) and works well for figurative uses (descendant, subgroup) without sounding overly formal or specialized.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from κλάω; a twig or bough (as if broken off):--branch.

Root Family

κλάδος (klados) — shoot, branch, sprout

Root κλάδ- shoot, branch, sprout

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2798-03 κλάδων kladon N GEN M PL branches of branches of branches 3
G2798-05 κλάδους kladous N ACC M PL branches branches branches 2
G2798-01 κλάδοι kladoi N NOM M PL branches branches branches 2
G2798-02 κλάδοις kladois N DAT M PL branches to the branches branches 2
G2798-04 κλάδος klados N NOM M SG branch branch branch 2

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2798-02 Matthew 13:32 κλάδοις kladois N DAT M PL branches to the branches branches
G2798-05 Matthew 21:8 κλάδους kladous N ACC M PL branches branches branches
G2798-04 Matthew 24:32 κλάδος klados N NOM M SG branch branch branch
G2798-05 Mark 4:32 κλάδους kladous N ACC M PL branches branches branches
G2798-04 Mark 13:28 κλάδος klados N NOM M SG branch branch branch
G2798-02 Luke 13:19 κλάδοις kladois N DAT M PL branches to the branches branches
G2798-01 Romans 11:16 κλάδοι kladoi N NOM M PL branches branches branches
G2798-03 Romans 11:17 κλάδων kladon N GEN M PL branches of branches of branches
G2798-03 Romans 11:18 κλάδων kladon N GEN M PL branches of branches of branches
G2798-01 Romans 11:19 κλάδοι kladoi N NOM M PL branches branches branches
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