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ὀρύσσω

orýssō

G3736 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To dig, excavate, or make a hole in the ground, either by removing soil or by creating a cavity. In New Testament usage, the term primarily refers to the manual action of digging, especially in relation to agriculture (opening ground for planting or for pits), construction (preparing a foundation), or the act of making a hole or hiding something underground. In extended contexts, can involve digging for a grave or to hide valuables.

Semantic Range

to dig (a hole, pit, well, or grave), to excavate ground for a foundation, to make an opening in the earth, to hollow out, to dig to hide something underground

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root ὀρυσσ-, possibly of onomatopoeic origin, imitative of the sound or action of digging. No clear relation to other Indo-European roots; etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ὀρύσσω appears from at least the 5th century BCE (e.g., in Herodotus) and typically refers to manual digging, such as opening wells, graves, or trenches. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and New Testament, its usage is similar: it describes literal digging operations, as in Luke 6:48-49 (digging for a foundation), or metaphorically as preparation or hiding (e.g., hiding money, Matthew 25:18). It is distinct from σκάπτω, which more narrowly means to dig or hoe (specifically in agriculture). Septuagint usage often reflects the Hebrew חפר (ḥpr, "to dig"). English translations often simply render ὀρύσσω as "dig," which generally captures its core meaning, though nuance can be lost, especially where the context involves preparation for construction or burial. The word does not carry metaphorical senses such as "to search" or "to inquire"; it remains grounded in physical action.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently a primary verb; to "burrow" in the ground, i.e. dig:--dig.

Root Family

ὀρυσσ- (diorýssō) — to dig, to excavate

Root ὀρυσσ- to dig, to excavate, to make a hole
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G1358 διορύσσω to be dug through

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3736-01 ὤρυξεν oruxen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG dug he dug dug 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3736-01 Matthew 21:33 ὤρυξεν oruxen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG dug he dug dug
G3736-01 Matthew 25:18 ὤρυξεν oruxen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG dug he dug he dug
G3736-01 Mark 12:1 ὤρυξεν oruxen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG dug he dug dug
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