← G4978 G4980 →

σχοινίον

schoiníon

G4979 noun

SILEX Entry

Root σχοιν- cord, rope, braided plant fiber

Definition

A small cord, string, or rope, typically fashioned from braided or twisted plant fibers; more specifically, a slender rope or line made from rushes or similar fibrous plants. In context, denotes a small or lightweight rope used for tying, binding, or constructing improvised objects.

Semantic Range

small cord, slender rope, string made from reeds or rushes, improvised tying implement, whip made of cords

Root / Etymology

Derived as a diminutive of σχοῖνος (schoinos), meaning 'cord' or 'rope,' itself from a term referring to a reed or rush; σχοινίον thus means 'little cord.' Ultimately from a term for a plant (rush) used for making ropes. Etymology is uncertain beyond this basic sense, but likely originated from the use of rush plants as raw material for cords.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in both classical and Hellenistic Greek with the sense of a slender cord or rope, especially one made of plant fibers. In the New Testament (e.g., John 2:15), σχοινίον refers to a cord plaited or twisted from rushes, possibly used as an improvised whip or for other practical purposes. The diminutive form emphasizes smallness or lightness compared to more substantial ropes. Standard English translations usually render the term as 'small cord,' 'rope,' or 'whip of cords,' but these may not convey the plant-based, improvised, or light construction implied by σχοινίον. Unlike stronger or more permanent cords, the term often suggests something quickly made from available materials for temporary use. There is no indication that the term was specific to a particular region or group.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

diminutive of (a rush or flag-plant; of uncertain derivation); a rushlet, i.e. grass-withe or tie (generally):--small cord, rope.

Root Family

σχοινίον (schoinion) — cord, rope, braided plant fiber

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4979-02 σχοινίων schoinion N GEN N PL cords of slender cords slender cords 1
G4979-01 σχοινία schoinia N ACC N PL ropes small cords ropes 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4979-02 John 2:15 σχοινίων schoinion N GEN N PL cords of slender cords slender cords
G4979-01 Acts 27:32 σχοινία schoinia N ACC N PL ropes small cords ropes
← G4978 Greek Lexicon G4980 →