"a wolf, Mt. 10:16; Lk. 10:3; Jn. 10:12; met. a person of wolf-like character, Mt. 7:15; Acts 20:29*"
Definition and meaning
a wolf, Mt. 10:16; Lk. 10:3; Jn. 10:12; met. a person of wolf-like character, Mt. 7:15; Acts 20:29*
In the original Greek the word is written: λύκος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of lykos (G3074) across the King James Bible.
Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves.
But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3074 (lykos) is a Greek word that means: a wolf, Mt. 10:16; Lk. 10:3; Jn. 10:12; met. a person of wolf-like character, Mt. 7:15; Acts 20:29* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word lykos (G3074) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3074 is lykos, a Greek word defined as: a wolf, Mt. 10:16; Lk. 10:3; Jn. 10:12; met. a person of wolf-like character, Mt. 7:15; Acts 20:29*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
lykos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.