λιθόστρωτος
lithóstrōtos
G3038 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
A surface paved or covered with set stones; commonly, a paved area made by laying stones in a pattern, such as a mosaic or tessellated flooring. In biblical usage, designates a specific paved place, especially that associated with a Roman tribunal, but can refer more generally to any stone-paved area or floor.
Semantic Range
stone-paved area, pavement, mosaic floor, tessellated court, official paved tribunal area
Root / Etymology
From λίθος (stone) and a derivative of στρώννυμι (to spread, to strew); literally, 'stone-spread' or 'stone-paved.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
λιθόστρωτος occurs rarely in classical literature but is attested in later Hellenistic and Koine contexts for various stone-paved surfaces. In John 19:13, λιθόστρωτος describes the pavement area outside the Roman governor's tribunal, indicating the official, monumental, or ornate character of the space. In the New Testament, it is paralleled with the Aramaic/Galilean 'Gabbatha,' also denoting a raised or paved place. Traditional English translations often render the term as 'the Pavement,' but this can obscure its architectural specificity: the word refers to a surface meticulously laid with stone, suggesting a formal or public space, such as a court or plaza. The term does not inherently refer to any religious function, nor does it indicate a Jewish or Judean context but rather a general Greco-Roman architectural feature. The term is not frequent in the Septuagint or Jewish Greek literature, highlighting its association with Roman civic or administrative contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from λίθος and a derivative of στρώννυμι; stone-strewed, i.e. a tessellated mosaic on which the Roman tribunal was placed:--Pavement.
Root Family
λιθόστρωτος (lithóstrōtos) — stone, spread, pave
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3038-01 |
Λιθόστρωτον | lithostroton | ADJ.P ACC M SG |
The Pavement | stone-paved court | the Pavement | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3038-01 |
John 19:13 | Λιθόστρωτον | lithostroton | ADJ.P ACC M SG |
The Pavement | stone-paved court | the Pavement |