What does σαπρός · δένδρον mean in the Bible?
σαπρός · δένδρον is a Greek phrase meaning "bad, rotten, diseased tree".
Greek · G4550, G1186
σαπρὸν δένδρον
Rotten · a tree
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Where it appears: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
This lexicon entry is part of our ongoing editorial review. If you notice missing content, unclear wording, or a possible correction, please send us a note through the Connect page. Screenshots are helpful.
Words in this compound — expand to study each participant
σαπρός G4550 rotten
Pronunciation saprós
Moral corruption or worthlessness, applied to speech and character as decay from intended good.
Open lexicon entry →
δένδρον G1186 a tree
Pronunciation déndron
In Jesus' teaching, trees symbolize moral character—good trees bear good fruit, corrupt trees bear corrupt fruit.
Open lexicon entry →
What does σαπρὸν δένδρον (sapron dendron) mean in the Bible?
σαπρός · δένδρον is a Greek phrase meaning "bad, rotten, diseased tree".
Full entry for σαπρὸν δένδρον (G4550, G1186) · Open the biblical lexicon
Questions this entry answers
How many biblical occurrences are listed for G4550, G1186?
G4550, G1186 is connected to 8 lexical occurrence verses in the lexicon data.
Evidence Summary
Greek phrase. bad, rotten, diseased tree
Source Gloss
bad, rotten, diseased tree
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
This word appears as a noun across 5 case and number patterns. The form changes show how the word functions in a sentence; they do not change the basic lexical meaning by themselves.
Form patterns 5 Aligned forms 8 Case pattern Accusative (4) Number pattern Singular (7)
Nominative · Singular · Neuter Matt 7:17 · Matt 7:18 · Luke 6:43 3×
Nominative · Singular · Masculine Eph 4:29 1×
Accusative · Singular · Masculine Matt 12:33 · Luke 6:43 2×
Accusative · Singular · Neuter Matt 12:33 1×
Accusative · Plural · Neuter Matt 13:48 1×
Word Origins
σαπρὸν δένδρον is built from this root:
Sources
MorphGNT Strong's Dictionary XML — CC0 1.0 Public Domain
Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible (morphhb/OSHB) — CC BY 4.0
Open Scriptures Hebrew Lexicon — CC BY 4.0
Berean Standard Bible (BSB) source-word alignment - CC0 Public Domain