χαλινός (G5469) — Greek Lexicon

χαλινός

chalinós

G5469 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A bit or bridle (the apparatus for controlling or restraining an animal, especially a horse, placed in the mouth and attached to reins); by extension, an instrument or means of restraint or control. In figurative contexts, used of self-control, restraint of speech or passion.

Semantic Range

bit, bridle, headstall; means of restraint or control; (metaphorically) self-control, restraint over speech or emotion

Root / Etymology

Derived from the verb χαλάω (to loosen, relax, let down), reflecting the function of the bit/bridle to direct by tension or to check by loosening; the connection relates to the mechanism of making tight or slack. No clear indication of non-Greek etymology; etymology within Greek is supported.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, χαλινός refers chiefly to the physical bit or bridle used to control a horse or other draft animal. In literary usage (e.g., Aeschylus, Sophocles, Plato), it could be extended metaphorically to describe any means of restraining or controlling behavior, speech, or emotions. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek (including the Septuagint and New Testament: see James 1:26, 3:3), the term retains its literal meaning but is also frequently used metaphorically for self-control or the restraint of one's tongue or desires, in line with Greek rhetorical traditions. The Septuagint uses it both literally and in the sense of God putting a bridle on nations or peoples, indicating restraint or direction. Standard English translations generally render χαλινός as 'bit' or 'bridle,' but the metaphorical uses (especially for restraint of speech or emotion) are important for understanding New Testament ethical teaching. The term overlaps in meaning with χαλινόω (to bridle, restrain) and is distinct from ἡνία (rein), which focuses more on the controlling strap than the device in the mouth.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from χαλάω; a curb or head-stall (as curbing the spirit):--bit, bridle.

Root Family

χαλινός (chalinós) — to restrain, to hold in check, to guide

Root χαλιν- to restrain, to hold in check, to guide

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5469-02`	χαλινοὺς	chalinous	`N ACC M PL`	bits	bridles	bridles	1
`G5469-01`	χαλινῶν	chalinon	`N GEN M PL`	bridles	of bridles	bridles	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5469-02`	James 3:3	χαλινοὺς	chalinous	`N ACC M PL`	bits	bridles	bridles
`G5469-01`	Revelation 14:20	χαλινῶν	chalinon	`N GEN M PL`	bridles	of bridles	bridles

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