2487. ichnos

Strong's Lexicon

ichnos: Footprint, track, trace

Original Word: ἴχνος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: ichnos
Pronunciation: EE-khnos
Phonetic Spelling: (ikh'-nos)
Definition: Footprint, track, trace
Meaning: a track, footstep.

Word Origin: Derived from the base of ἴσχω (ischō), meaning "to hold" or "to have."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "ichnos," the concept of following a path or way is present in Hebrew thought, often expressed with words like דֶּרֶךְ (derek, Strong's H1870), meaning "way" or "path."

Usage: The Greek word "ichnos" primarily refers to a footprint or track, indicating the mark left by a foot. In a broader sense, it can also imply a path or a way to follow, often used metaphorically to describe following in someone's steps or example.

Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Greek culture, footprints or tracks were significant in various contexts, from hunting to navigation. They were seen as indicators of presence and direction. In the biblical context, the metaphor of following in someone's footsteps was a powerful image of discipleship and imitation, reflecting the importance of following the teachings and example of a leader or teacher.

HELPS Word-studies

2487 íxnos (from hikneomai, "move forward, arrive") – properly, the impression made by the sole of the foot ("foot-step"); (figuratively) the "footsteps" providing the needed example for others to follow, i.e. to live out "God's persuasions" (His inworkings of faith). Accordingly, faith (4102 /pístis) and "faith-steps" are directly connected in the NT.

Ro 4:12: "And the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps (2487/íxnos) of the (principle of) faith (4102 /pístis) of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised" (NASU).

[Note how the "principle of faith" is signaled by the Greek definite article. This refers to faith operating in a believer's life to reveal and empower God's preferred-will (cf. 2307 /thélēma). The Lord inbirths His persuasions for believers in every scene of life – if they seek Him for it. Compare Ro 10:6-8,17 with Ro 14:23.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a track
NASB Translation
steps (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2487: ἴχνος

ἴχνος, ἰχνεος (ἴχνους), τό (from ἵκω equivalent to ἱκνέομαι, to go) (from Homer down), a footprint, track, footstep: in the N. T. metaph, of imitating the example of anyone, we find στοιχεῖν τοῖς ἴχνεσι τίνος, Romans 4:12; περιεπατήσαμεν ... τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσι, 2 Corinthians 12:18; ἐπακολούθειν τοῖς ἴχνεσι τίνος, 1 Peter 2:21, (ἐν ἴχνεσι τίνος ἔον πόδα νέμειν, Pindar Nem. 6, 27); cf. Latininsisterevestigiisalicuius.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

a track, footprint, step

From ikneomai (to arrive; compare heko); a track (figuratively) -- step.

see GREEK heko

Forms and Transliterations

ίχνει ίχνεσι ιχνεσιν ίχνεσιν ἴχνεσιν ίχνη ίχνος ίχνους ιχώρα ιχώρος ichnesin íchnesin

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 4:12 N-DNP
GRK: στοιχοῦσιν τοῖς ἴχνεσιν τῆς ἐν
NAS: follow in the steps of the faith
KJV: walk in the steps of that faith
INT: walk in the steps of the during

2 Corinthians 12:18 N-DNP
GRK: τοῖς αὐτοῖς ἴχνεσιν
NAS: spirit [and walk] in the same steps?
KJV: [walked we] not in the same steps?
INT: in the same steps

1 Peter 2:21 N-DNP
GRK: ἐπακολουθήσητε τοῖς ἴχνεσιν αὐτοῦ
NAS: for you to follow in His steps,
KJV: ye should follow his steps:
INT: you should follow after the steps of him

Strong's Greek 2487
3 Occurrences

ἴχνεσιν — 3 Occ.