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νῶτον (nōton)

nōton

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G3577 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun nōtos refers simply to the back, whether of a person or an animal. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Romans 11:10, where Paul quotes Psalm 69:23 to describe the spiritual state of those who have stumbled.

Paul uses the phrase "make their backs stagger" to illustrate how God allowed a temporary hardening to come upon Israel. This vivid image suggests a loss of balance or stability, portraying a people whose foundation has been shaken so that they cannot stand upright in their faith.

The word itself is straightforward, lacking complex theological layers. Its power lies entirely in the context of Paul’s argument about mercy and election, where this physical description serves as a metaphor for spiritual blindness and temporary rejection.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word nōtos refers to the back of a person or animal. In Scripture, it appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 11:10. Paul quotes an Old Testament psalm here to describe a state where people are made to stumble and lose their balance. This image shows how spiritual blindness can cause someone to lose their footing.

For your faith, this reminds us that stability comes from God alone. When we feel unsteady or confused, it is not always because of our own failure. Sometimes, understanding these moments helps us see God’s larger plan for mercy and election. We can trust that He holds us even when our path seems unclear.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • backs1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • νῶτον1×

Key Verses

  • Romans 11:10
    Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see. Always keep their backs bent.”

    This verse uses the word to illustrate how God allowed a temporary hardening to come upon Israel, causing them to lose spiritual balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word nōtos mean?

Nōtos simply means 'back' in Greek. It refers to the rear part of a person or animal's body. In the New Testament, it is used literally to describe physical posture.

Where does this word appear in the Bible?

It appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 11:10. Paul uses it while quoting Psalm 69:23 to describe a state of stumbling or bent posture.

How is nōtos different from other words for body parts?

Unlike words that might imply strength or front-facing action, nōtos focuses on the rear. In Romans 11, it symbolizes a loss of stability and forward vision due to spiritual hardening.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Romans 1 verse
Romans 11:10

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see. Always keep their backs bent.”