πάρδαλις
párdalis
G3917 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A large spotted feline, specifically a leopard or panther. In literary and figurative usage, refers to a predatory animal known for its speed, agility, and distinct spotted markings. In biblical and Hellenistic contexts, often used symbolically to denote ferocity, swiftness, or the dangerous, unpredictable nature of certain kingdoms or rulers.
Semantic Range
leopard, panther, large spotted feline, symbol of ferocity or swiftness, metaphor for ruthless or dangerous entity
Root / Etymology
Rooted in the Greek πάρδαλις, originally referring to a leopard or panther. The exact origin is uncertain; related to παρδάλος ('spotted'), possibly borrowed from a pre-Greek substrate or a non-Indo-European language.
Historical & Contextual Notes
πάρδαλις appears in classical Greek texts (e.g., Homer, Herodotus) with the sense of 'leopard' or 'panther', typically indicating the large, spotted wild cat (Panthera pardus). In the Septuagint (e.g., Daniel 7:6), πάρδαλις translates Hebrew נָמֵר (namēr), depicting a predatory animal in apocalyptic visions, symbolizing swiftness, ferocity, or rulers/kingdoms characterized by these traits. In the New Testament (e.g., Revelation 13:2), the term is similarly employed in visionary language. The word is feminine in form and does not specifically distinguish between leopard and panther, as the terms were not systematically differentiated in antiquity. The standard English translation as 'leopard' broadly reflects the biblical Greek meaning but may not capture all contextual or symbolic nuances present in ancient usage. Unlike ἴαγουρος (jaguar) or λέων (lion), πάρδαλις is never used metaphorically for positive qualities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine of (a panther); a leopard:--leopard.
Root Family
πάρδαλις (párdalis) — spotted feline, leopard, panther
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3917-01 |
παρδάλει | pardalei | N DAT F SG |
a leopard | to a leopard | a leopard | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3917-01 |
Revelation 13:2 | παρδάλει | pardalei | N DAT F SG |
a leopard | to a leopard | a leopard |