κόραξ
kórax
G2876 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large black bird of the crow family, specifically a raven (Corvus corax), characterized by its size, intelligence, and scavenging behavior; in extended usage, a generic term for raven-like birds or scavengers. In biblical and ancient contexts, often refers to the common raven native to the Near East, symbolically associated with death, the wilderness, or impurity due to its scavenger habits.
Semantic Range
raven, large black bird, generic scavenger-bird, symbol of wilderness or desolation, object of ritual impurity in biblical contexts
Root / Etymology
From the root κόραξ (uncertain further etymology); possibly related to κοράκινος (diminutive) or to κορέννυμι (to satiate), but no direct derivation is established. Etymology uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κόραξ refers specifically to the raven, often noted for its intelligence, noisy cry, and role as a scavenger. LXX and New Testament usages reflect the raven's presence in the Levant and its association with ritual impurity in Israelite and Judean contexts (Leviticus 11:15, Luke 12:24). The raven appears in the story of Noah (Genesis 8:7 LXX) and is occasionally symbolic of desolation or neglect, due to its affinity for uninhabited places. In Hellenistic contexts, the raven was also seen as an omen or associated with divination. English translations commonly render κόραξ as 'raven,' but this does not always capture its full symbolic and cultural resonance in Greek and biblical contexts. The word remains in naturalistic contexts rather than being used metaphorically for people or objects, distinguishing it from more figurative uses of bird terms in Greek literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from κορέννυμι; a crow (from its voracity):--raven.
Root Family
κόραξ (kórax) — raven, scavenging bird
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2876-01 |
κόρακας | korakas | N ACC M PL |
ravens | ravens | ravens | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2876-01 |
Luke 12:24 | κόρακας | korakas | N ACC M PL |
ravens | ravens | ravens |