438. anthos

Lexicon

anthos: Flower, blossom

Original Word: ἄνθος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: anthos
Pronunciation: AN-thos
Phonetic Spelling: (anth'-os)
Definition: Flower, blossom
Meaning: bloom, possibly a reference to the bright flowers, such as poppies (among the grass).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

flower.

A primary word; a blossom -- flower.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a flower
NASB Translation
flower (3), flowering (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 438: ἄνθος

ἄνθος, ἀνθεος, τό (from Homer down); a flower: James 1:10; 1 Peter 1:24.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root of ἀνθέω (antheo), meaning "to bloom" or "to blossom."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of a flower or blossom in the Hebrew Bible is often represented by the word צִיץ (tsits, Strong's Hebrew 6731), which similarly conveys the idea of beauty and transience. Another related term is פֶּרַח (perach, Strong's Hebrew 6525), which also means "blossom" or "flower." These Hebrew terms are used in the Old Testament to describe the beauty of creation and the fleeting nature of life, paralleling the New Testament usage of ἄνθος.

Usage: The word ἄνθος appears in the New Testament to illustrate the temporary and delicate nature of human life and glory, often in contrast to the eternal nature of God's word and kingdom.

Context: The Greek word ἄνθος is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of beauty and the ephemeral nature of life. In Matthew 6:28-29, Jesus uses the imagery of flowers to teach about God's provision and the futility of human anxiety: "And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these" (BSB). Here, ἄνθος symbolizes the natural beauty and care that God provides, surpassing even the splendor of Solomon.

Additionally, in James 1:10-11, the word is used to illustrate the fleeting nature of wealth and human achievement: "But the rich should exult in their low position, because they will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits" (BSB). This passage emphasizes the transient nature of earthly riches and the ultimate futility of relying on material wealth.

The metaphor of ἄνθος serves as a reminder of the contrast between the temporal and the eternal, urging believers to focus on the enduring word of God and the eternal kingdom rather than the temporary allure of worldly beauty and success.

Forms and Transliterations

ανθ' άνθεσιν άνθη ανθος άνθος ἄνθος άνθους anthos ánthos

Englishman's Concordance

James 1:10 N-NNS
GRK: ὅτι ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου παρελεύσεται
NAS: like flowering grass
KJV: as the flower of the grass
INT: because as a flower of the grass he will pass away

James 1:11 N-NNS
GRK: καὶ τὸ ἄνθος αὐτοῦ ἐξέπεσεν
NAS: the grass; and its flower falls off
KJV: and the flower thereof
INT: and the flower of it fell

1 Peter 1:24 N-NNS
GRK: αὐτῆς ὡς ἄνθος χόρτου ἐξηράνθη
NAS: LIKE THE FLOWER OF GRASS.
KJV: as the flower of grass.
INT: of it as [the] flower of grass Withers

1 Peter 1:24 N-NNS
GRK: καὶ τὸ ἄνθος ἐξέπεσεν
NAS: WITHERS, AND THE FLOWER FALLS OFF,
KJV: and the flower thereof
INT: and the flower fall away

Strong's Greek 438
4 Occurrences

ἄνθος — 4 Occ.