θρίξ

a hair

Definition

The Greek word θρίξ refers to a single hair, whether of the human head or of an animal. In the New Testament, it is used both literally, as in describing John the Baptist's camel-hair garment (Matthew 3:4, Mark 1:6) or the woman wiping Jesus' feet with her hair (Luke 7:38, 44), and figuratively to denote something exceedingly small or numerous. A key figurative use is found in Jesus' teaching about God's detailed care, stating that even the hairs of one's head are all numbered (Matthew 10:30, Luke 12:7). It also appears in a promise of divine protection, where not a hair of the disciples' heads will perish (Luke 21:18).

Biblical Usage

θρίξ is used 14 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). Its usage falls into two main patterns: descriptive physical detail (e.g., John's garment, the woman's act of devotion) and hyperbolic statements about God's meticulous providence and protection. In Matthew 5:36, it is used in a prohibition against oaths, illustrating human inability to control even the color of a single hair. The word consistently emphasizes the small, individual unit within a larger whole.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek noun θρίξ (thrix), meaning 'hair'. It is a primary word with a long history in the language, related to the verb θρίσσαω (thrissaō, 'to bristle'). Its meaning remained stable, specifically denoting a single strand of hair, which carries directly into its Koine Greek usage in the New Testament.

Semantic Range

θρίξ is theologically significant as it is employed by Jesus to illustrate God's intimate knowledge and sovereign care over every detail of a believer's life. The statements that God has numbered the hairs on one's head (Matthew 10:30, Luke 12:7) and that not a hair will perish (Luke 21:18) transform a mundane object into a powerful metaphor for divine omniscience, providence, and faithful preservation. This enriches reading by showing that God's care is exhaustively personal and protective.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, hair carried cultural weight. For women, unbound hair in public could be seen as a sign of shame or mourning, making the act of the woman in Luke 7:38, 44 an exceptionally humble and intimate gesture of repentance and devotion. A camel-hair garment, as worn by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:4), identified him with the prophets like Elijah (2 Kings 1:8) and symbolized a rugged, ascetic lifestyle. Jesus' reference to not being able to change a hair's color (Matthew 5:36) highlights a universal human limitation, reinforcing the folly of making oaths based on things outside one's control.

κόμη (komē, G2864) — specifically denotes the hair of the head as a mass or arrangement, often with a focus on its beauty or grooming, whereas θρίξ is an individual strand.

Word Details

Scripture References