σταφυλή
staphylḗ
G4718 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Bunch or cluster of grapes; refers primarily to the complete grouping of individual grapes attached to a common stem. In most contexts, denotes grape clusters as found on the vine, especially in reference to agricultural yield or as a metaphor for abundance or the promised bounty of the land. Less commonly, used in figurative language to describe anything closely grouped together and dependent on a central support, similar to a cluster.
Semantic Range
cluster (of grapes), bunch of grapes, metaphorically any tight grouping or cluster (rare), symbol of agricultural abundance or prosperity
Root / Etymology
From the base root σταφ-, possibly related to στέφανος ('wreath, crown') due to the visual similarity of the intertwined or encircled grouping, but direct etymological connection is uncertain.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term σταφυλή appears in both classical and Koine Greek. In classical literature (e.g., Hesiod, Aristophanes), it refers straightforwardly to a cluster of grapes. In the Septuagint (LXX), it often translates the Hebrew אֶשְׁכּוֹל (’eshkol), highlighting clusters brought from Canaan as signs of fertility (Numbers 13:23-24). In the New Testament (James 3:12), it is contrasted with the fig or olive to illustrate natural order: grape clusters do not grow from fig trees. English translations traditionally render it 'grapes' or 'cluster of grapes,' which broadly capture its meaning but may not always convey the concrete image of the full grape bunch as emphasized in Greek. While metaphorical uses (for tightly grouped items) become more frequent in post-biblical Greek, the biblical usage is generally literal. The potential link to στέφανος is debated, as folkloric explanations connect the crown-like or circular form, but direct linguistic descent is not universally accepted.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the base of στέφανος; a cluster of grapes (as if intertwined):--grapes.
Root Family
σταφυλή (staphylē) — cluster of fruit, bunch of grapes, gathered attachment to stem
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4718-02 |
σταφυλὰς | staphulas | N ACC F PL |
grapes | clusters of grapes | clusters of grapes | 1 |
G4718-03 |
σταφυλὴν | staphulen | N ACC F SG |
grapes | a grape cluster | grape cluster | 1 |
G4718-01 |
σταφυλαὶ | staphulai | N NOM F PL |
grapes | grape clusters | grapes | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4718-02 |
Matthew 7:16 | σταφυλὰς | staphulas | N ACC F PL |
grapes | clusters of grapes | clusters of grapes |
G4718-03 |
Luke 6:44 | σταφυλὴν | staphulen | N ACC F SG |
grapes | a grape cluster | grape cluster |
G4718-01 |
Revelation 14:18 | σταφυλαὶ | staphulai | N NOM F PL |
grapes | grape clusters | grapes |