λύκος (lukos)
lukos
wolf
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun lukos simply means "wolf," referring to the wild canine known for its ferocity and greed. In the New Testament, it appears in five verses, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew, Luke, and John. The word carries a literal weight, evoking the danger these animals posed to shepherds and their flocks in the ancient Near East.
Scripture frequently uses this image metaphorically to describe people who are cruel, rapacious, or destructive. Jesus warns His disciples to be as shrewd as snakes but innocent as doves because they will face such threats (Matthew 10:16). He also illustrates the difference between a true shepherd and a hired hand using this contrast: when a wolf attacks, the hired man flees, leaving the sheep vulnerable (John 10:12).
This figurative usage draws from Old Testament prophecies where false leaders are likened to wolves tearing at the flock (Ezekiel 22:27; Zechariah 11:17). Paul warns the Ephesian elders that savage wolves will arise from within their own community to distort the truth and draw disciples away (Acts 20:29). The term consistently points to spiritual predation, highlighting the need for vigilance against those who seek to harm the faith of others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The image of a wolf in Scripture is stark and immediate. In the ancient world, these animals represented a real, physical danger to shepherds and their flocks. When Jesus uses this word, He is not speaking of abstract ideas but of tangible threats that could destroy what was precious. This helps us understand why the Bible often contrasts the Good Shepherd with those who seek to harm His people.
For your faith life, this word serves as a reminder of spiritual vigilance. It acknowledges that the journey of following Christ can involve encountering those who might try to lead you astray or cause harm. Recognizing these dangers does not mean living in fear, but rather staying grounded in the truth and the protection of the One who calls His own by name.
Ultimately, the presence of wolves highlights the value of the sheep. It reminds us that we are under the care of a Shepherd who is far greater than any predator. This assurance allows us to face challenges with peace, knowing that our security rests in His hands, not in our own ability to defend ourselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wolves2×
- wolf2×
- of wolves;1×
- of wolves.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λύκοι2×
- λύκων·1×
- λύκων.1×
- λύκος1×
- λύκον1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:15
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.
This verse uses the word to describe false prophets who disguise their destructive intent behind a harmless appearance.
-
John 10:12
He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn’t own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them.
Here the wolf’s action of snatching and scattering illustrates the failure of hired hands compared to the true Shepherd’s commitment.
-
Acts 20:29
For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Paul warns that these wolves will arise from within the community itself, distorting truth to draw disciples away.