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ἄψινθος

ápsinthos

G894 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A type of bitter, aromatic plant known for its strong and unpleasant taste; used both literally for the plant (or its extract) and figuratively for extreme bitterness or a source of suffering or affliction. In some contexts, especially in literature and prophetic writings, symbolizes a bitter or calamitous experience.

Semantic Range

the plant wormwood (Artemisia absinthium); a source of bitterness; bitterness as a quality; affliction; calamity; metaphorical poison

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. The term is likely inherited from a pre-Greek (possibly Anatolian or Near Eastern) substrate; specific roots or connection to other Indo-European languages are speculative and not widely accepted.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Septuagint, ἄψινθος is used to translate the Hebrew לַעֲנָה (laʿanah), a bitter desert plant, in contexts that stress harmfulness, bitterness, or poisonous quality—especially as an image of judgment or suffering (e.g., Deut 29:18; Prov 5:4; Jer 9:15). In Greek sources outside the Bible, ἄψινθος refers to the plant Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), known for its bitterness and use in medicinal remedies as well as its association with absinthe in later periods. In the New Testament, the term appears only in Revelation 8:11, where a star called "Wormwood" metaphorically brings bitterness and death to waters, drawing on associations of misfortune or divine judgment. English "wormwood" (the usual translation) reflects this plant association but does not always capture the figurative or symbolic senses found in ancient literature or the prophetic context. The metaphorical use of the term to express calamity, poison, or severe bitterness is attested in both Greek and Hebrew traditions, with some overlap of meaning but no precise equivalent in English that encompasses both literal and metaphorical uses.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain derivation; wormwood (as a type of bitterness, i.e. (figuratively) calamity):--wormwood.

Root Family

ἄψινθος (apsinthos) — wormwood, bitter plant, bitterness, affliction

Root ἄψινθ- bitter plant, wormwood

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G894-02 Ἄψινθος apsinthos N NOM F SG Wormwood wormwood Wormwood 1
G894-01 ἄψινθον apsinthon N ACC F SG wormwood wormwood wormwood 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G894-02 Revelation 8:11 Ἄψινθος apsinthos N NOM F SG Wormwood wormwood Wormwood
G894-01 Revelation 8:11 ἄψινθον apsinthon N ACC F SG wormwood wormwood wormwood
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