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τράχηλος

tráchēlos

G5137 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The front or back part of the neck; in some contexts, the throat or the nape. The term can denote the physical neck as the part connecting the head to the body, and by metonymy, it may refer to the whole person (as in exposure or subjugation). In figurative use, can indicate vulnerability (as in laying bare the neck), or submission (as in placing under the yoke or sword).

Semantic Range

neck (human or animal); throat; nape; front or back of the neck; metaphorical exposure or vulnerability; subjugation or submission

Root / Etymology

Related to τράχηλος, of uncertain etymology; possibly connected to τρέχω ('to run') by association with mobility or turning, though this is speculative and not universally accepted.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, τράχηλος primarily signifies the neck as a body part, whether human or animal, especially in contexts involving movement, bearing burdens, or exposure (e.g., in wrestling, combat, or punishment). In the Septuagint and the New Testament, it is often used literally ('neck,' as in Acts 15:10) and sometimes figuratively, especially in expressions of submission or danger (e.g., 'bearing the yoke on the neck'). The English translation 'neck' is generally accurate, but at times, the word carries connotations of vulnerability or exposure that may not be captured in translation. Unlike αὐχήν ('nape/back of the neck'), τράχηλος can have a broader reference including the throat, especially in anatomical or sacrificial contexts. The traditional rendering 'life' (depending on context, as in acts of beheading or risking one's life) reflects later interpretive traditions, not the primary lexical meaning.

Translation Consistency

primary "neck" 7 occurrences

Most common, natural English equivalent for τράχηλος across its literal senses (neck, nape, throat) and it comfortably covers the metonymic senses (vulnerability, exposure, submission). ‘Neck’ is neutral and is already used in all P2 renderings, ensuring consistent, natural phrasing.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from τρέχω (through the idea of mobility); the throat (neck), i.e. (figuratively) life:--neck.

Root Family

τράχηλος (trachēlos) — neck, throat

Root τραχηλ- neck, throat

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5137-01 τράχηλον trachelon N ACC M SG neck neck neck 7

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5137-01 Matthew 18:6 τράχηλον trachelon N ACC M SG neck neck neck
G5137-01 Mark 9:42 τράχηλον trachelon N ACC M SG neck neck neck
G5137-01 Luke 15:20 τράχηλον trachelon N ACC M SG neck neck neck
G5137-01 Luke 17:2 τράχηλον trachelon N ACC M SG neck neck neck
G5137-01 Acts 15:10 τράχηλον trachelon N ACC M SG neck neck neck
G5137-01 Acts 20:37 τράχηλον trachelon N ACC M SG neck neck neck
G5137-01 Romans 16:4 τράχηλον trachelon N ACC M SG neck neck neck
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