σίδηρος
sídēros
G4604 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A metal, iron; refers specifically to the substance or material of iron, employed in reference to objects made of iron (e.g., tools, weapons, chains). More broadly, may indicate anything characterized by the strength, hardness, or heaviness associated with iron. Occasionally used metonymically for instruments or implements composed of iron.
Semantic Range
iron (the metal), object made of iron, iron implement/tool, iron fetters/chains, metaphor for strength or oppression
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. It is not securely derived from any identifiable Greek root. Possible non-Indo-European (likely Anatolian or Pre-Greek) origin, as is common with names of metals in Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σίδηρος primarily signified ‘iron’ as a metallic element, contrasting with χαλκός (copper/bronze). The term appears in Homer and becomes a standard designation for iron in the Greek world as iron technology advanced in the first millennium BCE, with bronze and iron differentiated both in composition and cultural significance. In the Septuagint and New Testament, σίδηρος typically means literal iron, often in the context of tools, fetters, chains, or metaphorically as a symbol of strength and oppression (e.g., ‘iron rods’ or ‘iron yokes’). Standard English translations render it as 'iron,' but in some settings it can indicate severity or durability owing to the properties of iron. There is no inherent religious, ethnic, or geographic connotation to the term in Hellenistic or New Testament usage. Related concepts include χαλκός (bronze/copper), which can sometimes overlap in earlier texts but is distinct by the Hellenistic period in Greek technical vocabulary.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; iron:--iron.
Root Family
σίδηρ- (sídēros) — iron, metal
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4604-01 |
σιδήρου | siderou | N GEN M SG |
of iron | of iron | of iron | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4604-01 |
Revelation 18:12 | σιδήρου | siderou | N GEN M SG |
of iron | of iron | of iron |