3510. nephros

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.

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 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, 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

Word Origin: Derived from a primary word νεφρός (nephros), meaning "kidney."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Greek "νεφρός" corresponds to the Hebrew word כִּלְיָה (kilyah), Strong's Hebrew 3629, which also means "kidney" and is used similarly in the Old Testament to denote the seat of emotion and moral discernment.

Usage: In the New Testament, "νεφρός" is used metaphorically to describe the seat of human emotions and moral discernment. It is not frequently used in the New Testament but appears in contexts that emphasize God's knowledge of human innermost thoughts and feelings.

Context: The Greek term "νεφρός" (nephros) is primarily understood as "kidney" in a literal sense. However, in biblical literature, it carries a deeper metaphorical significance. In ancient Hebrew culture, the kidneys were considered the seat of emotion, conscience, and moral reasoning, similar to how the heart is perceived in modern Western thought. This metaphorical use is reflected in the New Testament, where "νεφρός" symbolizes the innermost parts of a person, encompassing their deepest thoughts and feelings.

The kidneys, along with the heart, are often mentioned in the context of God's omniscience and His ability to judge the true nature of human beings. For instance, in Revelation 2:23 (BSB), it is written: "Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am He who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds." Here, the term "minds" is translated from "νεφρός," indicating the depth of God's insight into human character.

The metaphorical use of "νεφρός" underscores the biblical theme that God is not only concerned with outward actions but also with the internal motivations and moral integrity of individuals. This understanding aligns with the broader biblical narrative that emphasizes the importance of inner purity and sincerity before God.

Forms and Transliterations

νεφροί νεφροίς νεφρους νεφρούς νεφροὺς νεφρών νεχωθά nephrous nephroùs

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.