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κονιορτός

koniortós

G2868 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Fine particulate matter, dust or powder produced by crushing, grinding, or breaking apart materials; in context, often refers to dust raised or blown into the air (e.g., by movement or wind). In literary and figurative use, may denote transience, humiliation, or insignificance, depending on context. The primary lexical meaning denotes loose, fine dust that is stirred by disturbance.

Semantic Range

cloud of dust, dust raised by movement, fine powder, particulate matter, symbol of transience, gesture of rejection (in ritual/action)

Root / Etymology

From the noun κονία (powdered lime, dust, ashes, sepulchral dust), itself from the verb κονιάω (to cover with gypsum or plaster, to coat with lime), and possibly related to the verb ὄρνυμι (to stir up, to raise). The word literally denotes what is produced by stirring up powdered material—fine dust.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, κονιορτός signifies cloud-like dust rising from disturbed ground or objects, especially in contexts such as travel, battle, or demolition. In the New Testament, it appears with a symbolic force when followers of Jesus are instructed to shake the dust (κονιορτός) from their feet as a gesture of separation or protest against inhospitable towns (cf. Luke 9:5; Acts 13:51). The Septuagint uses the term in similar ways, sometimes denoting the dustiness of destruction, desolation, or the ephemeral nature of life. English translations typically render it 'dust,' but this can flatten the sense of a cloud-like, stirred-up dust that is visible as a sign or gesture. The term is distinct from ὀπός (dust in general) or γῆ (earth/soil), highlighting specifically particulate matter in motion or recently disturbed. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, the term commonly carried connotations of ceremonial action or symbolic separation, especially in Jewish and early Judean Christian contexts.

Translation Consistency

primary "dust" 5 occurrences

The primary lexical sense is loose fine particulate matter or a cloud of fine powder. 'Dust' is the most natural, common English noun that covers dust raised by movement, fine powder, and the usual figurative uses (transience, humiliation). It matches the predominant P2 renderings and will read naturally in all contexts.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of κονιάω and ornumi (to "rouse"); pulverulence (as blown about):--dust.

Root Family

κονιορτός (koniortos) — dust, powder, fine particulate matter

Root κονι- dust, powder, fine particulate matter

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2868-01 κονιορτὸν koniorton N ACC M SG dust fine dust fine dust 5

Occurrences in Scripture

5 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2868-01 Matthew 10:14 κονιορτὸν koniorton N ACC M SG dust fine dust fine dust
G2868-01 Luke 9:5 κονιορτὸν koniorton N ACC M SG dust fine dust fine dust
G2868-01 Luke 10:11 κονιορτὸν koniorton N ACC M SG dust fine dust fine dust
G2868-01 Acts 13:51 κονιορτὸν koniorton N ACC M SG dust fine dust fine dust
G2868-01 Acts 22:23 κονιορτὸν koniorton N ACC M SG dust fine dust fine dust
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