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μαργαρίτης

margarítēs

G3135 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A pearl, specifically a spherical, lustrous organic gem produced within pearl oysters or similar mollusks. In broader usage, refers to an object of great value, rarity, or beauty, sometimes used metaphorically for something precious or highly esteemed.

Semantic Range

literal pearl (gem), object of great value, metaphor for something precious or invaluable

Root / Etymology

Borrowed from a non-Greek (likely Middle Eastern or Indian) term; exact origin uncertain. The word is attested in Greek as μαργαρίτης, probably derived via ancient trade contacts alongside the gem itself.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Koine Greek, μαργαρίτης referred primarily to natural pearls, considered rare and extremely valuable, imported from the Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions. The term appears sparingly in pre-Hellenistic literature, more commonly in later periods as pearls entered Mediterranean luxury markets. In the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 13:45-46; 1 Timothy 2:9; Revelation 17:4; 18:12, 16; 21:21), the term retains its literal sense of physical pearls—objects of wealth and luxury—but also features in parables and metaphors for incomparable worth or spiritual value. The Septuagint rarely uses the word, as pearls were less familiar in earlier biblical contexts. Standard English translations render μαργαρίτης as 'pearl,' but in some metaphorical uses, the full semantic nuance (extreme value, rarity) should be noted.

Translation Consistency

primary "pearl" 9 occurrences

μαργαρίτης denotes the gem ‘pearl’ and is most naturally rendered as pearl in English. This covers the literal lustrous gem and easily accepts pluralization or metaphorical use (pearls/of great value). It matches the majority of attested renderings and is the simplest, most natural choice for consistent use.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from (a pearl-oyster); a pearl:--pearl.

Root Family

μαργαρίτ- (margarítēs) — pearl, precious gem

Root μαργαρίτ- pearl, precious gem

Word Forms

7 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3135-02 μαργαρίταις margaritais N DAT M PL pearls to pearls to pearls 2
G3135-03 μαργαρίτας margaritas N ACC M PL pearls pearls pearls 2
G3135-01 μαργαρῖται margaritai N NOM M PL pearls pearls pearls 1
G3135-04 μαργαρίτῃ margarite N DAT M SG pearls to a pearl pearl 1
G3135-05 μαργαρίτην margariten N ACC M SG pearl a pearl a pearl 1
G3135-06 μαργαριτῶν margariton N GEN M PL of pearls of pearls of pearls 1
G3135-07 μαργαρίτου margaritou N GEN M SG pearl of a pearl pearl 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3135-03 Matthew 7:6 μαργαρίτας margaritas N ACC M PL pearls pearls pearls
G3135-03 Matthew 13:45 μαργαρίτας margaritas N ACC M PL pearls pearls pearls
G3135-05 Matthew 13:46 μαργαρίτην margariten N ACC M SG pearl a pearl a pearl
G3135-02 1 Timothy 2:9 μαργαρίταις margaritais N DAT M PL pearls to pearls to pearls
G3135-02 Revelation 17:4 μαργαρίταις margaritais N DAT M PL pearls to pearls with pearls
G3135-06 Revelation 18:12 μαργαριτῶν margariton N GEN M PL of pearls of pearls of pearls
G3135-04 Revelation 18:16 μαργαρίτῃ margarite N DAT M SG pearls to a pearl pearl
G3135-01 Revelation 21:21 μαργαρῖται margaritai N NOM M PL pearls pearls pearls
G3135-07 Revelation 21:21 μαργαρίτου margaritou N GEN M SG pearl of a pearl pearl
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