Lexical Summary nephros: Kidney(s) Original Word: νεφρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance reins. Of uncertain affinity; a kidney (plural), i.e. (figuratively) the inmost mind -- reins. 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 [The LXX also used 3510 (nephrós) this way when translating OT 3629 /oiktírmōn ("kidneys").] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a kidney, fig. the (inmost) mind NASB Translation minds (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3510: νεφρόςνεφρός, νεφρου, ὁ, 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. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Metaphorical Range Although literally referring to the kidneys, the term came to signify the hidden, innermost self—the secret seat of emotion, conscience, and motive. Where modern English speaks of “mind” or “inner being,” the biblical languages frequently employ “kidneys” to capture that deepest place God alone can probe. Anatomy and Sacrificial Worship Leviticus 3:4; Leviticus 3:10; Leviticus 4:9; and related passages place the kidneys and the fat surrounding them on the altar as Yahweh’s special portion. In ancient Near-Eastern anatomy, the kidneys were viewed as extremely vulnerable and life-controlling organs. Offering them symbolized surrender of the worshiper’s most private thoughts and desires to God’s fiery scrutiny. Old Testament Literary Usage The Hebrew Scriptures employ the figure more than thirty times. Representative examples: In wisdom and poetic literature the kidneys express moral sensitivity: grief pierces them (Job 16:13), joy rejoices there (Proverbs 23:16), and chastening is felt there (Psalm 73:21). Septuagint Bridge to the New Testament The Greek translators of the Septuagint routinely rendered Hebrew kilyot with νεφροί, preserving both literal and metaphorical force. This established a theological vocabulary that the New Testament later inherits. Revelation 2:23 and the Risen Christ Only once does the Greek New Testament employ the word: “I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.” (Revelation 2:23) Here the glorified Christ appropriates a divine prerogative proclaimed in Jeremiah: He searches not merely the καρδία (heart) but also the νεφροί—the unseen impulses beneath conscious thought. His judgment of the Thyatiran church underscores His omniscience and His demand for purity at the deepest level. Doctrine of Divine Omniscience The pairing “hearts and kidneys” presents a comprehensive picture of God’s knowledge. Nothing in the believer—thought, motive, or hidden sin—lies outside His gaze (Hebrews 4:12-13). Christ’s promise to “repay each” integrates omniscience with perfect justice (Romans 2:6). Pastoral and Devotional Application 1. Self-examination: Believers pray, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts” (Psalm 139:23). Recognizing Christ as examiner of kidneys invites honest confession. Related Texts for Study Leviticus 3:4; Deuteronomy 32:14; Job 19:27; Psalm 16:7; Psalm 26:2; Psalm 73:21; Proverbs 23:16; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23. Forms and Transliterations νεφροί νεφροίς νεφρους νεφρούς νεφροὺς νεφρών νεχωθά nephrous nephroùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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