κλῆμα
klēma
G2814 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A branch or shoot, typically referring to the living, fruit-bearing offshoot of a plant, especially a vine; by extension, any limb or sprout separated or distinguished from the main stem. Contextually, it may denote a particular offshoot that remains connected to the main plant for its vitality.
Semantic Range
shoot; branch (especially of a vine); limb; sprout; living offshoot remaining attached to a plant; metaphorical member dependent on a source of life
Root / Etymology
From the Greek verb κλάω (klaō), meaning 'to break' or 'to break off.' κλῆμα is a noun form representing that which is broken off, specifically a shoot or branch. The word is constructed from the verb stem with the neuter noun suffix -μα, indicating the result of the action.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κλῆμα is largely associated with horticulture, especially viticulture, where it refers to the branch or shoot of a vine (vitis). This usage continues into the Hellenistic and Roman periods. In the Septuagint, the term is rare, typically corresponding to Hebrew terms for 'branch' or 'vine shoot.' In the New Testament (notably John 15), κλῆμα is used metaphorically for disciples in relation to the vine (the teacher or messianic figure), emphasizing dependence on and connection to the source of life. English translations commonly render κλῆμα as 'branch,' but the term focuses more specifically on a shoot that both produces fruit and remains dependent on the main vine for sustenance, with an emphasis on life-giving connection rather than mere physical attachment. The nuance is more specific than the broader Greek word for 'branch,' ῥάβδος, which can refer to any stick or rod. Thus, κλῆμα often conveys vitality and potentiality for fruit-bearing, rather than simple detachment from the trunk.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from κλάω; a limb or shoot (as if broken off):--branch.
Root Family
κλα- (katakláō) — to break, to shatter, to rupture
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2814-01 |
κλῆμα | klema | N ACC N SG |
branch | a living offshoot | a living offshoot | 3 |
G2814-02 |
κλήματα | klemata | N NOM N PL |
branches | offshoot branches | offshoot branches | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2814-01 |
John 15:2 | κλῆμα | klema | N ACC N SG |
branch | a living offshoot | branch |
G2814-01 |
John 15:4 | κλῆμα | klema | N NOM N SG |
branch | a living offshoot | living offshoot |
G2814-02 |
John 15:5 | κλήματα | klemata | N NOM N PL |
branches | offshoot branches | offshoot branches |
G2814-01 |
John 15:6 | κλῆμα | klema | N NOM N SG |
branch | a living offshoot | a living offshoot |