κονιορτός (koniortos)
koniortos
dust
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun koniortos refers specifically to raised or flying dust rather than dry earth on the ground. Its etymology suggests motion, combining roots for dust and stirring up, which paints a vivid picture of particles kicked into the air by movement or wind.
In the New Testament, this word appears in five verses, primarily in Luke and Acts, where it describes the physical act of shaking dust from one’s feet as a symbolic gesture. Jesus uses this image in Matthew 10:14 and Luke 9:5 to instruct disciples on how to respond to rejection, while Paul employs it in Acts 13:51 to mark a decisive break with hostile audiences.
Translators typically render koniortos simply as "dust," but the specific nuance of airborne particles adds weight to these scenes. The image evokes the immediate aftermath of departure, emphasizing the finality and seriousness of leaving behind those who refuse the message.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word koniortos refers to fine particles of dust kicked up into the air by movement or wind. It is not simply dry earth on the ground, but the active residue of travel and departure. In the New Testament, this specific image appears in moments of serious decision. When Jesus instructed His followers to shake the dust from their feet, He was using a tangible gesture to mark the end of an opportunity for hearing the Gospel.
This act was not about personal revenge or holding a grudge against those who rejected the message. Instead, it served as a clear boundary. It showed that the messengers had done their part and were now moving on to others who would listen. For us today, this reminds us that our witness is complete when we share the truth with honesty and love. We do not need to force acceptance or carry the weight of someone else’s refusal.
Understanding this word helps us see the seriousness of the Gospel call. It also brings freedom from the burden of trying to convince every person. Our task is to speak faithfully, trusting that God will work in the hearts of those who are ready to receive it. This gesture points us forward, keeping our focus on the mission rather than the rejection.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- dust5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κονιορτὸν5×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:14
Whoever doesn’t receive you or hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake the dust off your feet.
Jesus uses this command to define the practical response disciples should have when their message is ignored in a specific house or city.
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Luke 9:5
As many as don’t receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them.”
The shaking of the dust serves as a visible testimony, marking the finality of the rejection and the seriousness of the refusal to listen.
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Acts 13:51
But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.
Paul and Barnabas use this physical act to signal a decisive break with hostile audiences before moving their ministry to Iconium.