2971. kónóps

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.

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

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.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from a primary word, likely of uncertain origin.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κώνωψ in the Old Testament. However, the concept of small insects or pests can be related to Hebrew words such as זְבוּב (zebub, Strong's H2070), meaning "fly," which appears in contexts involving swarms or plagues.

Usage: The term κώνωψ is used in the New Testament to refer to a small insect, specifically a gnat or mosquito. It is used metaphorically to illustrate a point about focusing on minor issues while neglecting more significant matters.

Context: The Greek word κώνωψ appears in the New Testament in the context of Jesus' teachings. In Matthew 23:24, Jesus uses the term in a metaphorical sense to criticize the Pharisees and scribes for their hypocrisy. The verse reads: "You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel." (BSB) Here, κώνωψ (gnat) is contrasted with a camel to emphasize the absurdity of focusing on trivial details while ignoring more substantial moral and spiritual obligations. The gnat, being one of the smallest of creatures, represents minor issues, whereas the camel, one of the largest animals in the region, symbolizes significant matters. This hyperbolic expression underscores the importance of prioritizing the weightier matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faithfulness, over meticulous ritualistic practices.

The use of κώνωψ in this passage reflects the cultural and religious practices of the time, where Pharisees were known for their strict adherence to the law, often to the point of legalism. The imagery of straining out a gnat would have been familiar to Jesus' audience, as it was common to strain wine or water to avoid consuming any unclean insects, in accordance with Jewish dietary laws. This vivid illustration serves as a powerful critique of misplaced priorities and the danger of external religiosity devoid of genuine righteousness.

Forms and Transliterations

κωνωπα κώνωπα κώπας κωπηλάται konopa kōnōpa kṓnopa kṓnōpa

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 23:24 N-AMS
GRK: διυλίζοντες τὸν κώνωπα τὴν δὲ
NAS: who strain out a gnat and swallow
KJV: which strain at a gnat, and
INT: filter out the gnat and

Strong's Greek 2971
1 Occurrence

κώνωπα — 1 Occ.