Original Word: λύκος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: lukos
Pronunciation: LOO-kos
Phonetic Spelling: (loo'-kos)
Definition: a wolf, of perhaps a jackal; often applied to persons of wolfish proclivities.
Meaning: A wolf; a predatory animal known for its cunning and ferocity.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek root word for "wolf."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 2061: זְאֵב (ze'ev) • A Hebrew term for "wolf," used in similar metaphorical contexts in the Old Testament to describe destructive and deceitful individuals or nations (e.g., Ezekiel 22:27, Zephaniah 3:3).

The metaphor of the wolf serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for deception and harm within the spiritual community, urging believers to remain watchful and grounded in truth.

Usage: The term λύκος is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe false prophets or teachers who are deceitful and dangerous to the spiritual well-being of believers.

Context: The Greek word λύκος appears in the New Testament as a metaphor for individuals who pose a threat to the Christian community. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, wolves were seen as dangerous predators that attacked sheep, a common livelihood for many. This imagery is used to convey the idea of spiritual danger and deception.

In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns His followers, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." Here, λύκος is used to describe those who outwardly appear harmless but have malicious intentions. The metaphor emphasizes the need for discernment among believers to protect themselves from spiritual harm.

Similarly, in Acts 20:29, the Apostle Paul warns the Ephesian elders, "I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock." Paul uses λύκος to describe false teachers who would infiltrate the church, highlighting the ongoing threat to the early Christian communities.

The use of λύκος in these passages underscores the importance of vigilance and the need for strong, discerning leadership within the church to guard against false teachings and maintain the integrity of the faith.

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a wolf
NASB Translation
wolf (2), wolves (4).

STRONGS NT 3074: λύκος

λύκος, λυκου, ὁ, Hebrew זְאֵב, a wolf: Matthew 10:16; Luke 10:3; John 10:12; applied figuratively to cruel, greedy, rapacious, destructive men: Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:29; (used tropically, even in Homer, Iliad 4, 471; 16, 156; in the O. T., Ezekiel 22:27; Zephaniah 3:3; Jeremiah 5:6).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

wolf.

Perhaps akin to the base of leukos (from the whitish hair); a wolf -- wolf.

see GREEK leukos

Forms and Transliterations

λυκοι λύκοι λυκον λύκον λυκος λύκος λύκους λυκων λύκων lukoi lukon lukōn lukos lykoi lýkoi lykon lykōn lýkon lýkōn lykos lýkos

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts