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φρέαρ

phréar

G5421 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A physical shaft or cavity in the ground, usually man-made and dug to access, store, or collect water; a well, cistern, or pit. In extended usage, can refer metaphorically to a deep or inescapable place, such as an abyss or subterranean prison, especially in apocalyptic or visionary literature.

Semantic Range

shaft, well, cistern, pit (dug or constructed feature), abyss, subterranean prison (metaphorical or apocalyptic context)

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. Likely of pre-Greek or non-Indo-European origin, as no convincing cognates exist in attested Greek roots. Not directly derived from any easily identifiable Greek verb or noun for 'dig' or 'water.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

φρέαρ appears in classical Greek primarily as a technical term for a shaft, well, or pit constructed to reach water—differentiated from natural springs or flowing streams. In the Septuagint, it commonly translates Hebrew בְּאֵר (be'er), indicating a dug well or cistern vital for survival in arid landscapes. In the New Testament (e.g., John 4:6, 11, 12), it denotes specifically the kind of well Jacob is said to have given, highlighting both depth and purpose (water collection). In apocalyptic and figurative texts, φρέαρ can refer to an abyss, particularly one used as a place of imprisonment for supernatural beings (Revelation 9:1-2, 9:11; 'the pit of the abyss'). English translations often render φρέαρ as 'well' or 'pit,' but may obscure the distinction from natural water-sources (πηγή, ὑδωρ). The term never refers to a natural spring, but only to an artificial or excavated feature. Distinguished from φρέαρ is πηγή, which denotes a spring or fount, i.e., a natural source of water. Usage in Jewish and Greco-Roman sources reflects knowledge of water engineering and practical necessity in settlement patterns.

Translation Consistency

primary "pit" 6 occurrences

'Pit' is a simple, natural English noun that covers the typical physical sense (shaft, cistern, well-like cavity) and the common metaphorical uses (abyss, subterranean prison). It is broad enough to render the full semantic range of φρέαρ while sounding natural in translation.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"well" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; a hole in the ground (dug for obtaining or holding water or other purposes), i.e. a cistern or well; figuratively, an abyss (as a prison):--well, pit.

Root Family

φρέα- (phréar) — to dig (implied), pit, well, shaft

Root φρέα- to dig (implied), pit, well, shaft

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5421-01 φρέαρ phrear N ACC N SG well a dug well-shaft a pit 4
G5421-02 φρέατος phreatos N GEN N SG pit of a shaft of a pit 3

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5421-01 Luke 14:5 φρέαρ phrear N ACC N SG a pit a dug well-shaft a pit
G5421-01 John 4:11 φρέαρ phrear N NOM N SG well a dug well-shaft a pit
G5421-01 John 4:12 φρέαρ phrear N ACC N SG well a dug well-shaft well
G5421-02 Revelation 9:1 φρέατος phreatos N GEN N SG shaft of a shaft of a pit
G5421-01 Revelation 9:2 φρέαρ phrear N ACC N SG pit a dug well-shaft a pit
G5421-02 Revelation 9:2 φρέατος phreatos N GEN N SG pit of a shaft of a pit
G5421-02 Revelation 9:2 φρέατος phreatos-2 N GEN N SG pit of a shaft of a pit
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