2833. knéthó

Lexicon

knéthó: to itch, to tickle

Original Word: κνήθω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: knéthó
Pronunciation: knay'-tho
Phonetic Spelling: (knay'-tho)
Definition: to itch, to tickle
Meaning: I rub, tickle, scratch; pass: I itch.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

itching.

From a primary knao (to scrape); to scratch, i.e. (by implication) to tickle -- X itching.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a late form of knaó (to scrape)
Definition
to scratch, itch
NASB Translation
tickled (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2833: κνήθω

κνήθω: present passive κνήθομαι; (from κνάω, infinitive κναν and Attic κνην); to scratch, tickle, make to itch; passive to itch: κνηθόμενοι τήν ἀκοήν (on the accusative cf. Winers Grammar, § 32, 5), i. e. desirous of hearing something pleasant (Hesychius, κνήθειν τήν ἀκοήν. ζητοῦντες τί ἀκοῦσαι, καθ' ἡδονήν), 2 Timothy 4:3. (Middle τόν ὄνον κνήθεσθαι εἰς τάς ἀκάνθας τά ἕλκη, its sores, Aristotle, h. a. 9, 1, p. 609a, 32; κνην Ἀττικοι, κνήθειν Ἕλληνες, Moeris, p. 234; (cf. Veitch, under the word κνάω).)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There are no direct Hebrew equivalents for κνήθω in the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, as the concept of "itching ears" is uniquely expressed in the Greek New Testament context. However, the broader theme of seeking false teachings or prophets can be related to various Hebrew terms that describe falsehood or deception, such as שֶׁקֶר (sheqer, Strong's H8267) meaning "falsehood" or "deception."

Usage: The verb κνήθω is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe a desire for something pleasing or entertaining, often in the context of seeking teachings that satisfy personal preferences rather than truth.

Context: The Greek verb κνήθω appears in the New Testament in a metaphorical sense, primarily in the context of spiritual and doctrinal discernment. It is found in 2 Timothy 4:3, where the Apostle Paul warns Timothy about a time when people will not endure sound doctrine. Instead, they will gather teachers to suit their own desires, having "itching ears" (κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν). This expression vividly illustrates the human tendency to seek out teachings that are more palatable or entertaining rather than those that are true and edifying.

In this passage, κνήθω conveys the idea of an insatiable curiosity or a craving for novelty that leads individuals away from the foundational truths of the faith. The metaphor of "itching ears" suggests a restlessness and dissatisfaction with sound teaching, prompting a pursuit of doctrines that align with personal inclinations rather than divine revelation.

The use of κνήθω in this context serves as a caution against the dangers of prioritizing personal preferences over the authoritative teachings of Scripture. It underscores the importance of adhering to sound doctrine and being wary of teachings that merely tickle the ears without addressing the deeper spiritual needs of the soul.

Forms and Transliterations

κνηθομενοι κνηθόμενοι κνήμαι κνήμαις κνήμας κνήμην κνημίδες κνήφη κνίδη knethomenoi knethómenoi knēthomenoi knēthómenoi

Englishman's Concordance

2 Timothy 4:3 V-PPM/P-NMP
GRK: ἐπισωρεύσουσιν διδασκάλους κνηθόμενοι τὴν ἀκοήν
NAS: but [wanting] to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate
KJV: teachers, having itching ears;
INT: will heap up teachers having an itching ear

Strong's Greek 2833
1 Occurrence

κνηθόμενοι — 1 Occ.