τραχύς
trachýs
G5138 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Rough or uneven in texture or surface; used to describe terrain that is rugged, rocky, or difficult to traverse. In extended or metaphorical contexts, can refer to something that is harsh or difficult beyond its literal physical sense.
Semantic Range
rough (of ground or terrain), rocky, uneven, rugged, harsh (literal and metaphorical), difficult to traverse
Root / Etymology
From the adjective τραχύς, with uncertain derivation, though possibly connected to the base ῥήγνυμι ('to break, burst') due to the idea of a rugged, broken surface.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek usage, τραχύς primarily denotes physical roughness—such as a rocky path, mountainous region, or harsh landscape. The term is common for describing geographical features distinguished by irregular or difficult surfaces. In the Septuagint (LXX), τραχύς often translates Hebrew terms for rough ground or inaccessible places. The term is also used metaphorically for things that are harsh (e.g., 'rough' words, manners, or life experiences), though this is less frequent in scriptural contexts. In New Testament usage (e.g., Luke 3:5 quoting Isaiah), it refers to literal terrain but also carries an implicit sense of obstacles or hardships to be overcome. English translations often render it as 'rough,' 'rocky,' or 'rugged,' but may not always capture the nuance of perilous or inhospitable geography inherent to the Greek. Trachýs is distinct from terms meaning 'hard' (σκληρός) or 'barren' (ἄγονος), focusing specifically on surface irregularity or difficult passage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps strengthened from the base of ῥήγνυμι (as if jagged by rents); uneven, rocky (reefy):--rock, rough.
Root Family
τραχύς (trachys) — rough, uneven, rugged
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5138-02 |
τραχεῖς | tracheis | ADJ.A ACC M PL |
rough | rough ones | rough | 1 |
G5138-01 |
τραχεῖαι | tracheiai | ADJ.S NOM F PL |
rough | rough ones | rough ones | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5138-01 |
Luke 3:5 | τραχεῖαι | tracheiai | ADJ.S NOM F PL |
rough | rough ones | rough ones |
G5138-02 |
Acts 27:29 | τραχεῖς | tracheis | ADJ.A ACC M PL |
rough | rough ones | rough |