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στρέφω

stréphō

G4762 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To turn, revolve, or move in a different direction (spatially or metaphorically); to cause to change orientation, position, or state. The primary meaning is to cause something or someone to change direction or face another way, whether physically (such as turning the body) or figuratively (such as altering a course of action, attitude, or allegiance). In extended senses, can mean to return, to change, or to convert.

Semantic Range

to turn (physically), to twist, to revolve, to return (to a place or state), to cause to change direction, to bring back, to change attitude or allegiance (figuratively)

Root / Etymology

From the root στρεφ-; related to the verb structure denoting the action 'to turn.' Cognate with related forms such as τροπή (turning, change), τροπός (turn, manner, way). No clear Semitic etymology; wholly Greek in formation. See also derivatives like ἀποστρέφω (to turn away), ἐπιστρέφω (to turn toward, to return).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, στρέφω commonly meant to physically turn or spin (Homer, Herodotus). In Hellenistic and Koine contexts, it retains this physical sense but also develops metaphorical uses: changing one’s mind, repenting, converting, or returning to a previous state or place. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it can refer both to literal turning (of the head, body, or direction) and figurative turning (of will, heart, or allegiance). English versions often translate according to context as “turn,” “return,” “convert,” or “change,” but nuance can be lost if translated simply as “convert”; the idea often emphasizes the act of changing direction or focus, not necessarily adopting a new ideology or belonging to a new group. Related forms such as ἐπιστρέφω (to turn toward/return/convert) are more common in explicitly religious or allegiant contexts, whereas στρέφω is more neutral or general in spatial reference.

Translation Consistency

primary "turn" 21 occurrences

“Turn” best captures the primary and extended senses of στρέφω: physical rotation or changing direction, returning, and changing attitude or allegiance. It is the most natural, common English verb that covers both literal and figurative uses, allowing consistent, easily inflected forms (turns/turned/turning) across all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

strengthened from the base of τροπή; to twist, i.e. turn quite around or reverse (literally or figuratively):--convert, turn (again, back again, self, self about).

Root Family

στρέφω (strephō) — to turn, to twist, to change direction

Root στρεφ- to turn, to twist, to change direction

Word Forms

11 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4762-04 στραφεὶς strapheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG turned having been turned having turned 10
G4762-03 ἔστρεψεν estrepsen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG turned he turned he turned 2
G4762-02 ἐστράφησαν estraphesan V AOR PASS IND 3P PL they turned they were turned they turned 1
G4762-08 στραφῶσιν straphosin V AOR PASS SUBJ 3P PL be converted they may be turned they may be turned 1
G4762-07 στραφῆτε straphete V AOR PASS SUBJ 2P PL you turn you may be turned you are turned 1
G4762-01 ἐστράφη estraphe V AOR PASS IND 3P SG she turned was turned she turned 1
G4762-06 στραφέντες straphentes V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL turn having been turned having turned 1
G4762-10 στρεφόμεθα strephometha V PRS PASS IND 1P PL we turn we are being turned we turn 1
G4762-11 στρέψον strepson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG turn Turn! turn 1
G4762-09 στρέφειν strephein V PRS ACT INF to turn to turn to turn 1

Occurrences in Scripture

21 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4762-11 Matthew 5:39 στρέψον strepson V AOR ACT IMP 2P SG turn Turn! turn
G4762-06 Matthew 7:6 στραφέντες straphentes V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M PL turn having been turned having turned
G4762-04 Matthew 9:22 στραφεὶς strapheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG turned having been turned having turned
G4762-04 Matthew 16:23 στραφεὶς strapheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG turned having been turned having turned
G4762-07 Matthew 18:3 στραφῆτε straphete V AOR PASS SUBJ 2P PL you turn you may be turned you are turned
G4762-03 Matthew 27:3 ἔστρεψεν estrepsen V AOR ACT IND 3P SG he returned he turned he turned
G4762-04 Luke 7:9 στραφεὶς strapheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG having turned having been turned having turned
G4762-04 Luke 7:44 στραφεὶς strapheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG turning having been turned having turned
G4762-04 Luke 9:55 στραφεὶς strapheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG turned having been turned having turned
G4762-04 Luke 10:23 στραφεὶς strapheis V AOR PASS PTCP NOM M SG turning having been turned having turned
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