ῥομφαία (G4501) — Greek Lexicon

ῥομφαία

rhomphaía

G4501 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A large, broad sword or sabre; primarily denotes a heavy sword used for slashing, typically longer and broader than a standard sword (ξίφος). In extended or figurative usage, can denote a symbol of violent power, war, or judgment.

Semantic Range

large sword, broad sabre, heavy slashing weapon, (figuratively) instrument of judgment or destruction, symbol of power or might

Root / Etymology

Borrowed from a foreign (likely Thracian or Phrygian) word; etymology uncertain. Entered Greek usage to describe a specific type of weapon associated with certain non-Greek peoples.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ῥομφαία appears rarely in classical Greek and is more typical of Hellenistic and Roman-period Greek for describing large, curved swords of Thracian, Dacian, or Phrygian origin, as opposed to the standard double-edged ξίφος (xiphos) used by Greek soldiers. The term was sometimes used generically for imposing foreign swords or weapons. In the Septuagint, ῥομφαία frequently translates Hebrew חֶרֶב (ḥerev, 'sword'), even where the Hebrew sense is not a specific kind of weapon, thus broadening the semantic range in Jewish-Greek literature. The New Testament uses ῥομφαία both literally (Luke 2:35) and metaphorically (Revelation, as a symbol of divine judgment or authority). Early English translations typically use 'sword,' losing the distinction from other Greek terms. The figurative use arises from the weapon's perceived threat or destructive power, particularly in apocalyptic and judgment contexts.

Translation Consistency

primary "sword" 6 occurrences

'sword' is the natural, widely understood English noun that captures the typical sense of ῥομφαία as a large, heavy cutting weapon. It is simpler and more consistent than less common choices like 'sabre' or the adjective 'broad,' and can cover both literal and figurative uses (instrument of judgment, power) while allowing modifiers when needed.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):

"large broadsword" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably of foreign origin; a sabre, i.e. a long and broad cutlass (any weapon of the kind, literally or figuratively):--sword.

Root Family

ῥομφ- (rhomphaía) — a large sword, a sabre, heavy bladed weapon

Root ῥομφ- a large sword, a sabre, heavy bladed weapon

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G4501-01`	ῥομφαία	romphaia	`N NOM F SG`	sword	a broad sabre	a broad sword	6
`G4501-02`	ῥομφαίαν	romphaian	`N ACC F SG`	sword	large broadsword	large broadsword	1

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G4501-01`	Luke 2:35	ῥομφαία	romphaia	`N NOM F SG`	sword	a broad sabre	a broad sword
`G4501-01`	Revelation 1:16	ῥομφαία	romphaia	`N NOM F SG`	sword	a broad sabre	a broad sword
`G4501-02`	Revelation 2:12	ῥομφαίαν	romphaian	`N ACC F SG`	sword	large broadsword	large broadsword
`G4501-01`	Revelation 2:16	ῥομφαίᾳ	romphaia	`N DAT F SG`	sword	a broad sabre	a broad sword
`G4501-01`	Revelation 6:8	ῥομφαίᾳ	romphaia	`N DAT F SG`	sword	a broad sabre	a broad sword
`G4501-01`	Revelation 19:15	ῥομφαία	romphaia	`N NOM F SG`	sword	a broad sabre	a broad sword
`G4501-01`	Revelation 19:21	ῥομφαίᾳ	romphaia	`N DAT F SG`	sword	a broad sabre	a broad sword

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