3269
Lexical Summary
(Not Used): (Not Used)
(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)
Topical Lexicon
Numerical Place within the Strong’s Index

Strong’s Greek number 3269 belongs to a small handful of entries that were reserved in the original indexing process but ultimately contain no attested vocabulary in the extant Greek New Testament manuscripts. Though the slot remains empty, its presence in the concordance reminds the reader that the Strong system is an index, not a lexicon of only biblical words. James Strong left occasional blank places when he anticipated a future need or when an earlier printed list contained a word that later text‐critical work judged to be inauthentic.

Text‐Critical Background

During the nineteenth century, when Strong and his team collated Greek words, they drew from the Textus Receptus as well as the critical texts then emerging from the work of scholars such as Tischendorf and Westcott–Hort. When a reading was strongly suspected of being spurious—often because it was missing from the best manuscripts—Strong sometimes retained a numerical marker but omitted the form itself. Entry 3269 is one of those markers. The approach allowed later editors to reinsert a word without disturbing the entire numerical sequence should new evidence surface.

Relevance to the Study of the Septuagint and Patristic Literature

Although 3269 has no occurrences in the inspired Greek New Testament, reserved numbers encourage students to broaden their research horizon. Many theological themes are illuminated not only by New Testament vocabulary but also by earlier usage in the Septuagint (LXX) and by later discussion in the writings of the Church Fathers. The blank entry therefore acts as a silent invitation to consult parallel corpora and to compare how Greek terms evolved between the third century B.C. and the early Christian era.

Doctrinal and Ministry Significance

1. Authority of Scripture. The absence of a word at 3269 underscores that the words which are present in the Greek autograph tradition are precisely those the Holy Spirit intended. “The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace” (Psalm 12:6). A vacant number does not introduce deficiency; instead it highlights preservation.
2. Integrity of Transmission. Modern believers sometimes fear that variant readings threaten doctrinal certainty. Yet even blank places in an index reveal the painstaking care with which textual scholars handle the biblical record. God has safeguarded every word necessary for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).
3. Encouragement for Exegetical Precision. Preachers and teachers may be tempted to build theological points on intriguing but unattested words. By noting when a Strong’s number is unused, the diligent expositor is reminded to base doctrine upon actual biblical data rather than conjecture. “Do your best to present yourself approved to God … accurately handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Practical Guidance for Bible Students

• Verify occurrences. When consulting lexicons or digital tools, confirm that a term truly appears in Scripture before employing it in exposition.
• Respect the canon. A blank entry such as 3269 should not be filled with speculative meanings pulled from extra-biblical Greek; instead, allow the inspired text to speak on its own terms.
• Use multiple resources. Because numbering gaps can confuse beginners, comparing Strong’s with other systems (e.g., Thayer, Bauer-Dank­er-Arndt-Gingrich) ensures accuracy.

Illustrative Passages on the Sufficiency of God’s Revealed Word

Deuteronomy 29:29 – “The hidden things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law.”
2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.”
• Jude 3 – “Contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.”

Conclusion

Strong’s 3269 serves as a quiet testimony to the meticulous scholarship that undergirds modern Bible study tools. Its very silence highlights the completeness and reliability of the canonical Greek text. Rather than being a curiosity to exploit, it is a reminder to handle Scripture with reverence, confidence, and care, trusting that every word God intended for His people is already before us—no more, no less.

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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
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