3510. nephros
Berean Strong's Lexicon
nephros: Kidney(s)

Original Word: νεφρός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: nephros
Pronunciation: nef-ros'
Phonetic Spelling: (nef-ros')
Definition: Kidney(s)
Meaning: a kidney (as a general emotional center), the reins.

Word Origin: Derived from a primary word

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent is כִּלְיָה (kilyah), Strong's Hebrew 3629, which also refers to the kidneys and is used similarly in the Old Testament to denote the seat of emotion and moral reflection (e.g., Psalm 7:9, Jeremiah 11:20).

Usage: In the New Testament, "nephros" is used metaphorically to refer to the innermost thoughts, emotions, or affections of a person. It is often translated as "mind" or "heart" in a figurative sense, reflecting the ancient belief that the kidneys were the seat of emotion and moral discernment.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Hebrew and Greek cultures, the kidneys were considered vital organs not only for physical health but also for emotional and spiritual well-being. The Hebrews, in particular, viewed the kidneys as symbolic of the deepest human emotions and moral consciousness. This belief is reflected in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, where the kidneys of animals were offered to God, symbolizing the offering of one's innermost being.

HELPS Word-studies

3510 nephrós – properly, a visceral organ ("kidney"); (figuratively) a person's innermost feelings, particularly as they come to bear on decision-making.

Philo (about ad 50) applied this term to "the emotions driving the conscience," i.e. affections that influence decisions.

[The LXX also used 3510 (nephrós) this way when translating OT 3629 /oiktírmōn ("kidneys").]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a kidney, fig. the (inmost) mind
NASB Translation
minds (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3510: νεφρός

νεφρός, νεφρου, , a kidney (Plato, Aristophanes); plural the kidneys, the loins, as the Sept. for כְּלָיות, used of the inmost thoughts, feelings, purposes, of the soul: with the addition of καρδίας, Revelation 2:23, with which cf. Psalm 7:10; Jeremiah 11:20; Jeremiah 17:10; Wis. 1:6.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
reins.

Of uncertain affinity; a kidney (plural), i.e. (figuratively) the inmost mind -- reins.

Forms and Transliterations
νεφροί νεφροίς νεφρους νεφρούς νεφροὺς νεφρών νεχωθά nephrous nephroùs
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Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Revelation 2:23 N-AMP
GRK: ὁ ἐραυνῶν νεφροὺς καὶ καρδίας
NAS: He who searches the minds and hearts;
KJV: searcheth the reins and
INT: he who searches innermost feelings and hearts

Strong's Greek 3510
1 Occurrence


νεφροὺς — 1 Occ.

















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