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λεπρός

leprós

G3015 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Covered with a scaly or rough skin condition, specifically one regarded as irregular, diseased, or abnormal. In most contexts, refers to a person exhibiting symptoms of a scaly skin disease, most commonly identified as 'leprous,' but the precise ancient classification does not correspond precisely to modern clinical definitions of leprosy (Hansen's disease). Used for both physical descriptors and for individuals subject to social exclusion due to perceived contagion of the illness.

Semantic Range

showing scaliness or roughness of the skin, affected by a disease causing such symptoms, person with a chronic scaly skin disorder, socially excluded one due to skin disease

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root λέπρ- (lepr-), related to λεπίς (lepis, 'scale, flake'), describing something scaly or rough. The root is descriptive of texture, not a specific diagnosis.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, the root λέπρ- describes any kind of roughness or scaliness, especially of skin. In Hellenistic and biblical writings (including the Septuagint and New Testament), λεπρός identifies a person displaying signs regarded as 'leprous,' but the Greek term (and the underlying Hebrew tzaraʿat in the LXX) encompasses a range of chronic skin disorders, not only what is now called Hansen's disease. Those designated λεπροί in biblical texts were often subject to social and religious exclusion, but the stigma, boundaries of contagion, and required rituals for reintegration varied by period and culture. English translations historically have used 'leper,' but this can mislead readers by implying a one-to-one equivalence with a modern medical condition. The term's meaning in ancient sources can include various severe skin disorders marked by scaling, discoloration, or ulceration. Related Greek words include λέπρα (leprá, 'scaliness, leprosy') and λέπος (lepós, 'scale'). The term is mainly adjectival but often used substantively for affected persons.

Translation Consistency

primary "leprous" 7 occurrences

The lemma is primarily adjectival and most often describes skin condition or a person afflicted by it. "Leprous" is the natural, commonly used English adjective that covers both descriptive uses (leprous skin) and can serve substantively (the leprous one) to render instances where the Greek functions as a noun. It matches the typical biblical usage better than more technical or euphemistic alternatives like "scaly-skinned."

Alternatives (2 occurrences):
"scaly-skinned man" (2x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as λέπρα; scaly, i.e. leprous (a leper):--leper.

Root Family

λεπρ- (leprós) — scaly, rough, afflicted with a skin disease

Root λεπρ- scaly, rough, afflicted with a skin disease

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3015-01 λεπροὶ leproi ADJ.S NOM M PL lepers scaly-afflicted ones the leprous ones 4
G3015-02 λεπρὸς lepros ADJ.S NOM M SG a leper scaly-skinned man scaly-skinned man 2
G3015-03 λεπροῦ leprou ADJ.R GEN M SG leper of a scaly-afflicted man of a leprous man 2
G3015-04 λεπροὺς leprous ADJ.S ACC M PL lepers scaly-skin afflicted men the leprous 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3015-02 Matthew 8:2 λεπρὸς lepros ADJ.S NOM M SG a leper scaly-skinned man scaly-skinned man
G3015-04 Matthew 10:8 λεπροὺς leprous ADJ.S ACC M PL lepers scaly-skin afflicted men the leprous
G3015-01 Matthew 11:5 λεπροὶ leproi ADJ.S NOM M PL lepers scaly-afflicted ones the leprous ones
G3015-03 Matthew 26:6 λεπροῦ leprou ADJ.R GEN M SG leper of a scaly-afflicted man the leprous one
G3015-02 Mark 1:40 λεπρὸς lepros ADJ.S NOM M SG leper scaly-skinned man scaly-skinned man
G3015-03 Mark 14:3 λεπροῦ leprou ADJ.R GEN M SG leper of a scaly-afflicted man of a leprous man
G3015-01 Luke 4:27 λεπροὶ leproi ADJ.S NOM M PL lepers scaly-afflicted ones the leprous ones
G3015-01 Luke 7:22 λεπροὶ leproi ADJ.S NOM M PL lepers scaly-afflicted ones the leprous ones
G3015-01 Luke 17:12 λεπροὶ leproi ADJ.A NOM M PL lepers scaly-afflicted ones the leprous ones
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