στενός
stenós
G4728 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
narrow; primarily describing something with a limited width or restricted space between boundaries. Also used metaphorically for situations, paths, or choices that are difficult, constrained, or demanding due to limitations or obstacles. The primary sense is physical narrowness, but can extend to figurative uses indicating hardship or rigor.
Semantic Range
narrow (of physical space), restricted, tightly confined, difficult (of circumstances or conditions), strait (as in hardship or challenge), metaphorically limited or rigorous
Root / Etymology
From the base stem στεν- probably related to the root of ἵστημι (to stand), referring to that which is closely set or hemmed in. The link with ἵστημι is uncertain and may represent a phonetic association rather than direct etymological descent.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, στενός commonly described physical narrowness (e.g., a narrow road, river, or passageway). In Koine Greek, the term retains this sense but is frequently employed metaphorically, as in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 7:13-14), where it describes the 'narrow' or 'difficult' path leading to life in contrast to the 'broad' and more accessible way. The metaphorical extension suggests difficulty, restriction, or challenge—connotations sometimes rendered in English as 'constricted,' 'strait,' or 'difficult.' In Septuagint usage, στενός may translate Hebrew terms for narrowness or distress, thereby contributing to its semantic range of both literal and figurative constraint. Standard English translations sometimes use 'strait' or 'narrow,' but modern usage often prefers 'narrow,' which may underrepresent the sense of pressure or hardship implied in some contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the base of ἵστημι; narrow (from obstacles standing close about):--strait.
Root Family
στενός (stenos) — narrow, constricted, tight
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4728-02 |
στενῆς | stenes | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
narrow | of a narrow | narrow | 2 |
G4728-01 |
στενὴ | stene | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
narrow | narrow | narrow | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4728-02 |
Matthew 7:13 | στενῆς | stenes | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
narrow | of a narrow | narrow |
G4728-01 |
Matthew 7:14 | στενὴ | stene | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
narrow | narrow | narrow |
G4728-02 |
Luke 13:24 | στενῆς | stenes | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
narrow | of a narrow | narrow |