3074. lukos

Lexicon

lukos: Wolf

Original Word: λύκος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: lukos
Pronunciation: LOO-kos
Phonetic Spelling: (loo'-kos)
Definition: Wolf
Meaning: a wolf, of perhaps a jackal; often applied to persons of wolfish proclivities.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

wolf.

Perhaps akin to the base of leukos (from the whitish hair); a wolf -- wolf.

see GREEK leukos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a wolf
NASB Translation
wolf (2), wolves (4).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3074: λύκος

λύκος, λυκου, ὁ, Hebrew זְאֵב, a wolf: Matthew 10:16; Luke 10:3; John 10:12; applied figuratively to cruel, greedy, rapacious, destructive men: Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29; (used tropically, even in Homer, Iliad 4, 471; 16, 156; in the O. T., Ezekiel 22:27; Zephaniah 3:3; Jeremiah 5:6).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root word for "wolf."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 2061: זְאֵב (ze'ev) • A Hebrew term for "wolf," used in similar metaphorical contexts in the Old Testament to describe destructive and deceitful individuals or nations (e.g., Ezekiel 22:27, Zephaniah 3:3).

The metaphor of the wolf serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for deception and harm within the spiritual community, urging believers to remain watchful and grounded in truth.

Usage: The term λύκος is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe false prophets or teachers who are deceitful and dangerous to the spiritual well-being of believers.

Context: The Greek word λύκος appears in the New Testament as a metaphor for individuals who pose a threat to the Christian community. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, wolves were seen as dangerous predators that attacked sheep, a common livelihood for many. This imagery is used to convey the idea of spiritual danger and deception.

In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns His followers, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." Here, λύκος is used to describe those who outwardly appear harmless but have malicious intentions. The metaphor emphasizes the need for discernment among believers to protect themselves from spiritual harm.

Similarly, in Acts 20:29, the Apostle Paul warns the Ephesian elders, "I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock." Paul uses λύκος to describe false teachers who would infiltrate the church, highlighting the ongoing threat to the early Christian communities.

The use of λύκος in these passages underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for strong, discerning leadership within the church to guard against false teachings and maintain the integrity of the faith.

Forms and Transliterations

λυκοι λύκοι λυκον λύκον λυκος λύκος λύκους λυκων λύκων lukoi lukon lukōn lukos lykoi lýkoi lykon lykōn lýkon lýkōn lykos lýkos

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 7:15 N-NMP
GRK: δέ εἰσιν λύκοι ἅρπαγες
NAS: but inwardly are ravenous wolves.
KJV: they are ravening wolves.
INT: moreover they are wolves ravenous

Matthew 10:16 N-GMP
GRK: ἐν μέσῳ λύκων γίνεσθε οὖν
NAS: in the midst of wolves; so
KJV: the midst of wolves: be ye
INT: in [the] midst of wolves be you therefore

Luke 10:3 N-GMP
GRK: ἐν μέσῳ λύκων
NAS: in the midst of wolves.
KJV: lambs among wolves.
INT: in [the] midst of wolves

John 10:12 N-AMS
GRK: θεωρεῖ τὸν λύκον ἐρχόμενον καὶ
NAS: sees the wolf coming,
KJV: not, seeth the wolf coming, and
INT: sees the wolf coming and

John 10:12 N-NMS
GRK: καὶ ὁ λύκος ἁρπάζει αὐτὰ
NAS: and flees, and the wolf snatches
KJV: fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them,
INT: and the wolf snatches them

Acts 20:29 N-NMP
GRK: ἄφιξίν μου λύκοι βαρεῖς εἰς
NAS: savage wolves will come
KJV: shall grievous wolves enter in
INT: departure of me wolves grevious among

Strong's Greek 3074
6 Occurrences

λύκων — 2 Occ.
λύκοι — 2 Occ.
λύκον — 1 Occ.
λύκος — 1 Occ.