λάρυγξ
lárynx
G2995 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The throat; specifically, the passage or cavity at the back of the mouth leading to the esophagus and windpipe. In Greek literature, primarily denotes the physical organ by which vocal sounds are produced or food passes, with secondary metaphorical uses as the seat of speech, voice, or voraciousness.
Semantic Range
throat, gullet, passage for food or air, organ of voice, seat of speech or utterance, metaphor for appetite or voice
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. The word does not correspond with a clear Indo-European root and is treated as a native Greek term of uncertain derivation.
Historical & Contextual Notes
First attested in classical Greek (Homer onward), λάρυγξ denotes the anatomical throat or gullet, often as the organ through which food is swallowed or voice passes. It can also serve metonymically for the voice or speech, and metaphorically for excessive appetite or destructive speech (cf. Ps 5:9 LXX, 'their throat is an open grave'). The term remains relatively rare in non-medical Koine contexts compared to more common terms for mouth (στόμα) or tongue (γλῶσσα). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is used exclusively for the throat (literal or figurative), often in the context of speech imagery rather than medical anatomy. Later became the source for the English medical term 'larynx.' Standard English translations as 'throat' capture the primary sense but do not convey metaphorical uses tied to speech and appetite in ancient usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; the throat ("larynx"):--throat.
Root Family
λάρυγξ (larynx) — throat, gullet
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2995-01 |
λάρυγξ | larugx | N NOM M SG |
throat | throat | throat | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2995-01 |
Romans 3:13 | λάρυγξ | larugx | N NOM M SG |
throat | throat | throat |