μάρμαρος
mármaros
G3139 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
marble, a hard, crystalline form of limestone valued for its use in construction, sculpture, and decoration due to its beauty and durability; specifically, natural white or variegated stone with a polished, gleaming surface. In extended contexts, refers to objects, buildings, or pavements made from marble.
Semantic Range
marble (stone material), marble object or item (statue, table, building part); gleaming, polished stone; symbol of luxury or artistry
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root μαρμαρ-, related to the verb μαρμαίρω (to sparkle, to flash), describing the stone's lustrous or shimmering surface. Cognate with Latin 'marmor.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
μάρμαρος is attested in classical Greek (Homer onwards) primarily as a term for marble, especially prized white marble from regions such as Paros or Pentelicus. In literary and documentary sources, it designates the material itself and by extension articles carved from it (statues, furniture, buildings). By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, marble had become a symbol of luxury, civic splendor, and artistic achievement. In the Septuagint, μάρμαρος translates Hebrew terms relating to costly or ornamented stone. In the New Testament (Rev 18:12), μάρμαρος appears in the context of luxury goods. Standard English translations as 'marble' are accurate but often do not reflect the connotations of wealth and artistic value in Greco-Roman society. Distinct from λίθος (generic 'stone') and πέτρα (rock, bedrock), μάρμαρος indicates a specific kind of stone with particular cultural and artistic associations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (to glisten); marble (as sparkling white):--marble.
Root Family
μαρμαρ- (mármaros) — to glisten, to shine, marble (as gleaming stone)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3139-01 |
μαρμάρου | marmarou | N GEN M SG |
of marble | of gleaming marble | of marble | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3139-01 |
Revelation 18:12 | μαρμάρου | marmarou | N GEN M SG |
of marble | of gleaming marble | of marble |