Strong's Greek: 2971. κώνωψ (kónóps) -- Gnat

Strong's Lexicon

kónóps: Gnat

Original Word: κώνωψ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: kónóps
Pronunciation: KO-nohps
Phonetic Spelling: (ko'-nopes)
Definition: Gnat
Meaning: a gnat, mosquito, referred to proverbially as something small.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word κώνωψ, which refers to a gnat or mosquito.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κώνωψ, the concept of small, bothersome insects can be related to Hebrew terms for various pests, such as "זְבוּב" (zebub) for flies.

Usage: The term "kónóps" is used to describe a small flying insect, specifically a gnat or mosquito. In the context of the New Testament, it is used metaphorically to illustrate the concept of focusing on minor issues while neglecting more significant matters.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the ancient Near East, gnats were common pests, often found near bodies of water and in warm climates. They were known for their irritating bites and were considered a nuisance. In Jewish culture, gnats were also considered unclean according to Levitical law, which added a layer of religious significance to their mention in the Scriptures.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
probably from kónos; (cone-shaped) and óps (eye, face)
Definition
a gnat
NASB Translation
gnat (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2971: κώνωψ

κώνωψ, κωνωπος, ὁ, a gnat ((Aeschylus), Herodotus, Hippocrates, others); of the wine-gnat or midge that is bred in (fermenting and) evaporating wine (Aristotle, h. an. 5, 19 (p. 552{b}, 5; cf. Bochart, Hierozoicon, iii. 444; Buxtorf, Lex. talm. etc. 921 (474{a} Fischer edition))): Matthew 23:24.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

gnat.

Apparently a derivative of the base of kentron and a derivative of optanomai; a mosquito (from its stinging proboscis) -- gnat.

see GREEK kentron

see GREEK optanomai

Forms and Transliterations

κωνωπα κώνωπα κώπας κωπηλάται konopa kōnōpa kṓnopa kṓnōpa

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