Berean Strong's Lexicon nephros: Kidney(s) Original Word: νεφρός 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 [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. 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 nephroùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |