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ὀξύς

oxýs

G3691 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Sharp; primarily describing something coming to a point or edge (of physical objects), or metaphorically keen, piercing, or intense. In extended use, can describe sensation (of taste, smell, pain), or of sound (shrill). By analogy, also used for actions or movement that are rapid, quick, or sudden.

Semantic Range

sharp (of edge, point), keen (of intellect, perception), piercing (of pain, sound), acrid or pungent (taste, smell), swift, rapid, sudden (of action or movement)

Root / Etymology

From the root ὀξ-; possibly related to ἀκμή (point, edge), and shares the sense of sharpness or piercing. The connection to ἀκμήν and possible Indo-European base for 'sharp' or 'pointed' is likely, but precise etymology is uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ὀξύς is widely attested as a descriptor for anything physically sharp (knife, spear), pungent (odors, tastes), acute (sounds), or metaphorically keen (mind, intellect). It also extends to pain (sharp pain), perception, and more rarely to swiftness or suddenness of action (e.g., a swift attack). In Koine and New Testament contexts, the term retains its primary notion of physical or sensory sharpness, but is sometimes used metaphorically. In the Septuagint and NT, ὀξύς usually describes literal sharpness (as with a sword or sickle), but also can refer to swift movement or action (e.g., quick response). Standard translations with 'sharp' or 'swift' capture only primary aspects of the word; the full range includes any acuteness—physical, perceptual, or even emotional. The connection between 'sharpness' and 'swiftness' relies on the notion that something sharp acts or moves quickly, but this sense is far more common in poetic or metaphorical contexts.

Translation Consistency

primary "sharp" 7 occurrences

The primary sense of ὀξύς is physical sharpness (edge/point), and English 'sharp' naturally covers the common extended uses (sharp pain/sound, sharp taste/smell, sharp mind) as well as figurative senses of suddenness or keenness. It is the most natural, consistent single-word rendering for all forms.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably akin to the base of ἀκμήν ("acid"); keen; by analogy, rapid:--sharp, swift.

Root Family

ὀξύς (oxys) — sharp, keen, piercing

Root ὀξ- sharp, keen, piercing

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3691-04 ὀξύ oxu ADJ.A ACC N SG sharp sharp sharp 4
G3691-01 ὀξεῖα oxeia ADJ.A NOM F SG sharp sharp sharp 2
G3691-02 ὀξεῖαν oxeian ADJ.R ACC F SG sharp sharp (feminine singular accusative) sharp 1
G3691-03 ὀξεῖς oxeis ADJ.P NOM M PL swift sharp ones sharp 1

Occurrences in Scripture

8 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3691-03 Romans 3:15 ὀξεῖς oxeis ADJ.P NOM M PL swift sharp ones sharp
G3691-01 Revelation 1:16 ὀξεῖα oxeia ADJ.A NOM F SG sharp sharp sharp
G3691-02 Revelation 2:12 ὀξεῖαν oxeian ADJ.R ACC F SG sharp sharp (feminine singular accusative) sharp
G3691-04 Revelation 14:14 ὀξύ oxu ADJ.A ACC N SG sharp sharp
G3691-04 Revelation 14:17 ὀξύ oxu ADJ.A ACC N SG sharp sharp sharp
G3691-04 Revelation 14:18 ὀξὺ oxu ADJ.R ACC N SG sharp sharp sharp
G3691-04 Revelation 14:18 ὀξὺ oxu-2 ADJ.R ACC N SG sharp sharp sharp
G3691-01 Revelation 19:15 ὀξεῖα oxeia ADJ.A NOM F SG sharp sharp sharp
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