Πύθων
Pýthōn
G4436 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper name for Python, the mythic serpent or dragon slain by Apollo in Greek mythology; by extension, in Hellenistic and later contexts, refers to a spirit associated with oracular divination and prophecy, particularly as attributed to the region and oracle of Delphi. In Koine usage, the term can denote a 'spirit of divination,' that is, a supernatural influence believed to inspire soothsaying or prophetic utterances.
Semantic Range
mythic serpent (Python) of Delphi, spirit associated with oracular or divinatory inspiration, soothsayer or ventriloquist claimed to be inspired by such a spirit
Root / Etymology
Derived from Πύθων (Pýthōn), the proper name of the mythic serpent of Delphi. The root is Πυθ- (with the suffix -ων), the origin is mythological and not formed from a standard Greek verbal stem.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Πύθων originally referred to the mythic dragon or serpent at Delphi, slain by Apollo, which gave the site its name (Pytho/Delphi). In classical Greek, Πύθων was rarely used outside mythic or poetic contexts. In Hellenistic times, due to the fame of the Delphic oracle and the association of inspired prophecy with the site, the term came to be applied figuratively to a type of 'divinatory spirit' or prophetic inspiration, especially that considered supernatural or illicit. In the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible (Septuagint), πύθων does not appear, but its cognate πύθων (used in later Greek) is applied to people believed to be possessed by such a spirit, e.g., ventriloquists or soothsayers. In the New Testament (Acts 16:16), the phrase πνεῦμα πύθωνος ('a spirit of Python') denotes a supernatural agent believed to confer powers of divination. Traditional English translations often render this 'spirit of divination,' but the original text alludes specifically to the Delphic oracle and its legendary associations. The term differs from general Greek words for divination (e.g., μαντεία), focusing on the particular mythic-cultic context associated with Delphi.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (the name of the region where Delphi, the seat of the famous oracle, was located); a Python, i.e. (by analogy, with the supposed diviner there) inspiration (soothsaying):-- divination.
Root Family
Πύθων (Pýthōn) — Python (mythic serpent), divination, soothsaying, oracular inspiration
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4436-01 |
Πύθωνα | puthona | N ACC M SG |
of divination | Python spirit | Python | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4436-01 |
Acts 16:16 | Πύθωνα | puthona | N ACC M SG |
of divination | Python spirit | Python |