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σιαγών

siagṓn

G4600 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Jawbone, typically referring to the lower jaw; in extended contexts, the side of the face adjacent to the jaw (cheek). The term is used primarily for the physical jawbone or jaw area, including as a striking point or object. It can also denote the general region of the lower face.

Semantic Range

jawbone, lower jaw, cheek, side of the face, the area of the face adjacent to the jaw

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. The term does not closely connect with other known Greek roots for bone or mouth; its derivation is unclear and is considered of unknown origin.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In both classical and later Greek literature, σιαγών appears infrequently, with most attestations occurring in medical, anatomical, or descriptive contexts. In the Septuagint (notably Judges 15:15–17), it is used to translate the Hebrew לְחִי (leḥî), meaning 'jawbone,' in the account of Samson's battle with the Philistines. In the New Testament (Matthew 5:39), σιαγών is used in the context of being struck on the 'cheek,' though the anatomical precision remains somewhat ambiguous—possibly referring to the side of the face near the jaw. Standard English translations often render this as 'cheek,' but the Greek term may specifically denote the jawbone or jaw area, rather than the broader cheek region. The word does not carry figurative or specialized religious connotations in Koine Greek.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; the jaw-bone, i.e. (by implication) the cheek or side of the face:--cheek.

Root Family

σιαγών (siagōn) — jawbone, lower jaw, side of the jaw

Root σιαγ- jawbone, lower jaw, side of the jaw

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4600-01 σιαγόνα siagona N ACC F SG cheek the jawbone cheek 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4600-01 Matthew 5:39 σιαγόνα siagona N ACC F SG cheek the jawbone jawbone
G4600-01 Luke 6:29 σιαγόνα siagona N ACC F SG cheek the jawbone cheek
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