ἀχλύς
achlýs
G887 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Obscuring mist or haze, particularly that which clouds vision; in medical or metaphorical contexts, a dimness or film covering the eye, which may refer to a physical cataract or general loss of clarity in sight. By extension, a figurative state of obscurity or confusion, though primarily used for literal impairment of vision.
Semantic Range
obscuring mist or haze, dimness or cloud over the eyes, cataract, impairment of vision, metaphorical obscurity or confusion
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. Possibly a pre-Greek (non-Indo-European) loanword. Not directly related to other attested Greek roots, but see possible connection with 'ἄχλη' (transposition) and other mist/haze words in Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek literature, ἀχλύς appears as a poetic term for mist or fog, especially in Homer, describing a supernatural or deathly cloud that covers one’s eyes at death or in moments of divine intervention (e.g., Iliad 5.696, Odyssey 24.347). It is often used for a literal veil or haze obscuring sight. In Hellenistic and medical writers, it acquires a more technical sense, denoting a clouding of the eye, often interpreted as a cataract or opacity of the cornea leading to loss of vision. In the LXX and New Testament, the term is rare but serves to indicate a sudden or unnatural dimming or blindness—often with metaphorical resonance. English translations commonly render it as 'mist' or 'dimness'; however, 'cataract' or 'film' better reflects the pathological nuance in some Koine contexts. Related Greek terms for 'mist' such as νέφος (cloud) and ἀτμίς (vapor) denote more atmospheric phenomena, while ἀχλύς specifically denotes visual impairment at the level of the eye, not general weather conditions.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain derivation; dimness of sight, i.e. (probably) a cataract:--mist.
Root Family
ἀχλύς (achlys) — mist, haze, cloud, obscuration
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G887-01 |
ἀχλὺς | achlus | N NOM F SG |
a mist | a clouding haze | a mist | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G887-01 |
Acts 13:11 | ἀχλὺς | achlus | N NOM F SG |
a mist | a clouding haze | a mist |