μηρός
mērós
G3382 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
The upper part of the leg between the hip and the knee; specifically, the thigh. In extended usage, can refer to the area of the thigh as a locus of strength, lineage, or origin (e.g., in references to descendants or offspring emanating 'from the thigh'). In anatomical and ritual contexts, refers to the physical thigh of humans and animals. Occasional figurative usage denotes generative power or military strength.
Semantic Range
thigh (human or animal), upper leg, locus of generative power or lineage (figurative), symbol of military strength (figurative)
Root / Etymology
Perhaps a primary Greek word with no clear Indo-European cognate; etymology uncertain. Related to the root μηρ- used in classical and Koine Greek to designate the thigh area.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μηρός regularly denotes the upper part of the human leg (thigh) but may also be used for large land animals. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, μηρός is used predominantly in literal, anatomical contexts (such as Genesis 24:2 LXX), sometimes with ritual or symbolic significance (e.g., placing the hand under the thigh in making oaths, potentially linked to swearing on lineage or posterity). Greek writers at times use the thigh as a metonym for strength, fertility, or martial prowess, reflecting Indo-Mediterranean cultural associations with this body part. English Bible translations almost always render μηρός as 'thigh,' but this does not always capture the symbolic nuances related to lineage or covenant in ancient contexts. The use of μηρός for the site of making oaths is structurally similar to the Hebrew יָרֵךְ (yārek), with which it is regularly used as a translation equivalent in the LXX.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps a primary word; a thigh:--thigh.
Root Family
μηρός (mēros) — thigh, upper leg
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3382-01 |
μηρὸν | meron | N ACC M SG |
thigh | thigh | thigh | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3382-01 |
Revelation 19:16 | μηρὸν | meron | N ACC M SG |
thigh | thigh | thigh |