μυελός
myelós
G3452 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
marrow; the soft, fatty tissue found inside bones, generally considered the innermost and most vital part. In a broader metaphorical sense, refers to the essence or deepest part of something, signifying richness or vitality. In medical and anatomical contexts, denotes the literal substance within bones. In figurative usage, especially in literature, may mean the 'core' or 'substance' of a matter.
Semantic Range
marrow (of bones), pith (of plants), innermost or vital part, essence, richness, vigor
Root / Etymology
Possibly an ancient primary term in Greek; not securely derived from any other attested root. Its formation is consistent with an Indo-European background related to words signifying 'marrow' in other languages, but the exact Greek derivation is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, μυελός is used primarily in anatomical or medical contexts for the substance within bones and occasionally of the pith or core of plants. The word appears in both secular Greek literature and medical treatises with this sense, as well as metaphorically (as the 'essence' of something). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it is used in passages emphasizing the most inward part or the richness of physical life, often as a parallel to 'bones' or 'flesh.' Standard English translations render it almost exclusively as 'marrow,' but this can obscure its metaphorical connotations of vital essence. Its usage persists into late antiquity with comparable meaning.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps a primary word; the marrow:--marrow.
Root Family
μυελός (myelos) — marrow, inner substance, essence
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3452-01 |
μυελῶν | muelon | N GEN M PL |
marrow | of marrows | of marrows | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3452-01 |
Hebrews 4:12 | μυελῶν | muelon | N GEN M PL |
marrow | of marrows | of marrows |