τρυγών
trygṓn
G5167 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A type of dove known for its soft, cooing call, specifically the turtle-dove; refers to a small, migratory pigeon recognized by its gentle vocalizations. In literary, poetic, and religious contexts, signifies the bird noted for gentleness, innocence, and as an acceptable offering in sacrificial practices; occasionally used figuratively to suggest gentleness or fidelity.
Semantic Range
turtle-dove (the species Streptopelia turtur); a gentle or innocent bird; a poetic or figurative expression for affection, gentleness, or faithful love; sacrificial animal in ancient Israelite/Judean practice
Root / Etymology
The word τρυγών is typically traced to an onomatopoeic origin, imitating the bird’s cooing sound. It may be connected with Greek τρυγίζω (to murmur softly) or τρύζω (to coo), which are themselves descriptive of the dove’s gentle call. Its precise root is presumed to be the verb stem τρυγ- or τρυζ-, but direct derivation is uncertain; may be distantly related to τρίζω (to ring, cry), though τρυγών denotes a duller, softer quality.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, τρυγών is attested as the word for the turtle-dove and is often mentioned in poetry for its mournful or gentle cooing. In the Septuagint, it translates Hebrew תֹּר (tor), the turtle-dove frequently named as an acceptable sacrifice (e.g., Lev 1:14; 5:7; 12:6,8). In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 2:24), it maintains this technical sense, referring to the bird specified in sacrificial law. The cooing of the turtle-dove was proverbially associated with gentle affection and constancy, giving the word poetic resonance beyond zoological reference. English tradition renders τρυγών as 'turtle-dove,' which corresponds to the Streptopelia turtur and its relatives. Its usage is specific, unlike περιστερά, which is a general term for dove or pigeon. In Greco-Roman and Israelite sacrificial systems, the turtle-dove was accessible to the economically disadvantaged as an offering, highlighting its association with humility or poverty in some contexts. Over time, the connotations of innocence, peace, and fidelity became standard in literary use.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (to murmur; akin to τρίζω, but denoting a duller sound); a turtle-dove (as cooing):--turtle-dove.
Root Family
τρυγών (trygōn) — turtle-dove, soft-cooing dove, gentle bird
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5167-01 |
τρυγόνων | trugonon | N GEN F PL |
of turtledoves | of turtle-doves | of turtle-doves | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5167-01 |
Luke 2:24 | τρυγόνων | trugonon | N GEN F PL |
of turtledoves | of turtle-doves | of turtle-doves |