στρῆνος
strēnos
G4764 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Intense physical or emotional exertion; strain, vigor, or effort, often associated with forceful energy. In figurative contexts (especially later Koine), it describes an extravagant or luxurious mode of living characterized by excess, indulgence, or voluptuousness. Thus, it can denote both strenuousness and excessive luxury depending on context.
Semantic Range
strenuousness, forceful exertion, vigor; (figuratively) luxury, excess, indulgence, voluptuousness, delicacy
Root / Etymology
From the root στερ- (as seen in στερεός, 'firm, solid, strong'), with the suffix -ηνος forming abstract nouns. Suggests the idea of intensity, vigor, or firmness as applied to effort or lifestyle.
Historical & Contextual Notes
στρῆνος is rare in classical and Hellenistic-era Greek, with limited attestation outside later Koine and Christian writings. Where it appears, the term often carries a pejorative nuance, especially in moralizing or philosophical contexts, indicating not just vigor or exertion but an excessive, decadent, or indulgent way of living (luxury, voluptuousness). In the Septuagint and New Testament, its meaning is restricted to negative evaluations of luxury or sensual indulgence, often in contrast to temperance or moderation; English translations may render it as 'luxury,' 'voluptuousness,' or 'delicacy,' though 'strenuousness' remains an underlying literal sense. Classical Greek prefers terms like τρυφή for 'luxury.' στρῆνος differs in emphasizing the energetic, almost forceful aspect of excess.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
akin to στερεός; a "straining", "strenuousness" or "strength", i.e. (figuratively) luxury (voluptuousness):--delicacy.
Root Family
στερ- (steíros) — hard, rigid, inflexible
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4723 | στείρος | barren woman |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4764-01 |
στρήνους | strenous | N GEN N SG |
delicacies | of vigorous excess | luxury | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4764-01 |
Revelation 18:3 | στρήνους | strenous | N GEN N SG |
delicacies | of vigorous excess | luxury |