μονόφθαλμος
monóphthalmos
G3442 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Having one eye; one-eyed. Used to describe a person or figure possessing only a single functioning eye. In some contexts, may designate someone blind in one eye, or further, a figure characterized by being monocular as a defining physical feature.
Semantic Range
one-eyed, having one eye, blind in one eye, monocular (of a person or figure)
Root / Etymology
From μόνος (alone, single, only) + ὀφθαλμός (eye); a transparent compound meaning 'one-eyed' or 'single-eyed'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μονόφθαλμος is a rare term in Koine Greek, primarily appearing in later Greek literature but also known from earlier medical writings and rhetorical sources (e.g., Aristotle, Galen). In the New Testament (Mt 18:9, Mk 9:47), it is used in ethical exhortations, sometimes rendered as 'having one eye' in English translations. Its appearance is almost always literal, but may also carry rhetorical weight, for instance, in the context of moral hyperbole or vivid illustration. The word is not specific to Israelite, Judean, or broader regional identities, and has little to no particular cultural or religious connotations beyond its descriptive function. English Bible translations often render it 'with one eye' or 'having one eye', which adequately matches the literal referent.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μόνος and ὀφθαλμός; one-eyed:--with one eye.
Root Family
μονόφθαλμος (monophthalmos) — eye, sight, vision; single, one-eyed
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3442-01 |
μονόφθαλμον | monophthalmon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
one-eyed | one-eyed man | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3442-01 |
Matthew 18:9 | μονόφθαλμον | monophthalmon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
one-eyed man | ||
G3442-01 |
Mark 9:47 | μονόφθαλμον | monophthalmon | ADJ.S ACC M SG |
one-eyed | one-eyed man |