ὦμος
ōmos
G5606 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Anatomical shoulder: the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm, especially as the area that bears burdens. In a wider sense, also used figuratively for carrying a load, assuming responsibility, or bearing authority, especially in ceremonial or religious contexts. The term can also denote the shoulder as the site of adornment (such as garments or insignia).
Semantic Range
shoulder (anatomical), part of the body that bears burdens, bearing of responsibilities or authority (figurative), site for placing garments or insignia
Root / Etymology
From the root ὠμ-, found in classical Greek for 'shoulder.' Possibly related to the alternate root of φέρω ('to bear, carry'), indicating function rather than direct derivation. The etymology is ancient and consistent in Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὦμος denoted the literal shoulder and was commonly referenced in contexts of bearing loads, carrying responsibilities, or describing the fit of garments or armor. The term appears in the Septuagint and New Testament mainly to designate the anatomical shoulder but also acquires figurative meaning for bearing burdens (e.g., in passages about carrying loads or assuming authority). The term does not inherently convey 'strength' or 'power,' but such connotations are often implied by context. English translations frequently render the word simply as 'shoulder,' occasionally losing the cultural resonance of burden-bearing or ceremonial significance that the Greek term could imply. In certain Septuagint passages (e.g., Exodus), the term is used with reference to priestly vestments or ritual actions. The semantic field remains stable from classical through Koine usage. Contrast with βραχίων (brachion), meaning 'arm,' which emphasizes strength or physical might rather than the act of carrying.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
perhaps from the alternate of φέρω; the shoulder (as that on which burdens are borne):--shoulder.
Root Family
ὦμος (ōmos) — shoulder, to bear (as with the shoulder), to carry
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5606-01 |
ὤμους | omous | N ACC M PL |
shoulders | shoulders | shoulders | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5606-01 |
Matthew 23:4 | ὤμους | omous | N ACC M PL |
shoulders | shoulders | shoulders |
G5606-01 |
Luke 15:5 | ὤμους | omous | N ACC M PL |
shoulders | shoulders | shoulders |