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λεπίς

lepís

G3013 noun

SILEX Entry

Root λεπιδ- to peel, to flake, to scale

Definition

A thin, flat piece or layer that peels or flakes off a surface; primarily refers to a 'scale' as of a fish or of skin, but can also apply to small flakes or thin lamellar pieces of other materials in broader contexts. In medical or descriptive passages, denotes the shedding or presence of such thin layers.

Semantic Range

scale (of fish), flake, thin layer that peels off, scale or flake from skin, flake from metal, figurative peeling or shedding (as in healing)

Root / Etymology

From the root λεπίδ-, related to the verb λέπω, meaning 'to peel' or 'to scale off.' The term derives from the idea of a thin, detachable surface layer. Cognate with the noun λεπίς in classical Greek, maintaining similar meanings.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, λεπίς is used for the scales of fish and reptiles, as well as for thin layers or flakes of any material, such as metals or plant bark. In the Septuagint, λεπίς translates Hebrew words for 'scale' (e.g., קַשְׂקֶשֶׂת) in fish, particularly in Levitical dietary regulations (Leviticus 11:9-12). In non-cultic texts, it could refer to flakes of metals or even shed skin. In the New Testament (Acts 9:18), it figuratively describes what 'fell from' Paul's eyes at the restoration of his sight after the Damascus road experience—interpreted as physical objects resembling scales or flakes. English Bibles typically render λεπίς as 'scale,' but the term can also cover 'flaking' or 'peeling' in non-biological contexts in Greek literature. The semantic range is largely stable from classical into Koine Greek, though its usage in the New Testament context is metaphorical and unique.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (to peel); a flake:--scale.

Root Family

λεπίς (lepis) — peel, flake, scale, thin detachable layer

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3013-01 λεπίδες lepides N NOM F PL scales peeling scales scales 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3013-01 Acts 9:18 λεπίδες lepides N NOM F PL scales peeling scales scales
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