σίναπι
sínapi
G4615 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A plant of the mustard family; specifically, the mustard plant, known for its small but pungent seeds. In references within Koine Greek literature, the term primarily designates the mustard plant, commonly recognized for producing tiny seeds that can yield a large bush. In contextual usage, especially in parabolic or illustrative speech, it symbolizes something exceedingly small in size yet possessing the potential for significant growth or impact.
Semantic Range
the mustard plant; mustard seed; condiment or medicinal made from the mustard plant
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. The word σίναπι does not have a securely established Greek root, though some have speculated on an unrelated connection to σίνω ('to hurt, sting'), perhaps on account of the mustard's sharp taste, but this connection is linguistically doubtful. The term may be of Semitic or other eastern Mediterranean origin, reflecting the plant's exotic or non-native character in the classical world.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, σίναπι consistently refers to the mustard plant and its seeds. Its earliest attestations are found in Hippocratic medical writings and Theophrastus (3rd–4th c. BCE), where it is mentioned as a plant used for food, seasoning, and medicinal purposes. In the New Testament, σίναπι appears in the synoptic parables of the mustard seed (e.g., Matthew 13:31, Mark 4:31, Luke 13:19), where it functions as an illustration of disproportionate growth from insignificant beginnings; this relies on popular knowledge of mustard as a plant that originated from one of the tiniest seeds but could produce a conspicuous shrub. English translations consistently render σίναπι as 'mustard' or 'mustard seed,' which accurately reflects its botanical sense, though the Greek term could also encompass the plant and its products more broadly. There is no evidence of significant metaphorical extension outside this context in the period.
Translation Consistency
σίνάπι refers to the mustard plant/seed/condiment. The single-word noun “mustard” naturally and commonly covers the plant, its seeds, and the condiment derived from it, so it best fits the typical semantic range while remaining simple and consistent across all forms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from (to hurt, i.e. sting); mustard (the plant):--mustard.
Root Family
σίναπι (sinapi) — mustard plant, mustard seed
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4615-01 |
σινάπεως | sinapeos | N GEN N SG |
of mustard seed | of mustard | of mustard | 5 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4615-01 |
Matthew 13:31 | σινάπεως | sinapeos | N GEN N SG |
of mustard seed | of mustard | of mustard |
G4615-01 |
Matthew 17:20 | σινάπεως | sinapeos | N GEN N SG |
of mustard seed | of mustard | of mustard |
G4615-01 |
Mark 4:31 | σινάπεως | sinapeos | N GEN N SG |
mustard | of mustard | of mustard |
G4615-01 |
Luke 13:19 | σινάπεως | sinapeos | N GEN N SG |
of mustard | of mustard | of mustard |
G4615-01 |
Luke 17:6 | σινάπεως | sinapeos | N GEN N SG |
of-mustard | of mustard | of mustard |