λίνον (G3043) — Greek Lexicon

λίνον

línon

G3043 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Flax—refers primarily to the plant Linum usitatissimum, from which fibers are obtained and processed into textile material; by extension, linen—cloth or thread produced from flax fibers, used for garments, wicks, bandages, or other materials in Greco-Roman daily life. In various contexts, it may refer specifically to the raw plant, the prepared fibers, or the finished linen product.

Semantic Range

the flax plant, prepared flax fiber, linen cloth, thread or cord made from flax, woven linen goods

Root / Etymology

The word appears to be of pre-Greek or Eastern Mediterranean origin, possibly borrowed into Greek from an ancient Near Eastern language. It is unrelated to most native Greek noun-building formations. Related terms in ancient Greek include λίνεος (made of linen).

Historical & Contextual Notes

λίνον is attested in Homeric and classical Greek with meanings ranging from the flax plant itself to the spun fiber and the woven textile (linen). In epic and earlier usage, the word often indicated both the material used for bowstrings, cords, or nets and that used for clothing. In the Hellenistic and New Testament periods, λίνον retained this semantic breadth, referring to both the raw material and finished linen products. In the LXX and New Testament, it commonly designates linen cloths—whether for clothing, ritual, burial, or utilitarian purposes—reflecting the continued importance of flax and linen in the eastern Mediterranean. Traditional English Bibles usually translate λίνον as 'linen' or 'flax', according to context. The word is distinct in Greek from βύσσος, which often refers to fine or high-quality linen, sometimes equated with Egyptian varieties.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably a primary word; flax, i.e. (by implication) "linen":--linen.

Root Family

λιν- (línon) — flax, linen

Root λιν- flax, linen

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3043-01`	λίνον	linon	`N ACC N SG`	a smoldering wick	flax linen	flax wick	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3043-01`	Matthew 12:20	λίνον	linon	`N ACC N SG`	a smoldering wick	flax linen	flax wick

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