John 12:6

The Tongues Guardian

Strongs Greek NT #1101 γλωσσόκομον, glóssokomon. Tongue Keeper, Language Guardian.

The word "γλωσσόκομον" (glōssokomon) is a compound word in ancient Greek. It is composed of: "γλῶσσα" (glōssa): meaning "tongue" or "language." "κομός" (komos): meaning "care," "attention," or "keeping." So, "γλωσσόκομον" refers to a person or object that deals with or is involved in the management, study, or preservation of languages. It could be translated as "language keeper" or "language guardian," and it may refer to a linguist, a scholar of languages, or a repository of linguistic knowledge. Used for "Chest" which held money in the Septuagint (2 Chr 24:8, 2 Chr 24:10, 2 Chr 24:11).

The word only occurs in John 12:6 and 13:29. It is a specific New Testament version of an earlier word, γλωσσοκομεῖον, (glōssokomeion). Translators and scholars have traditionally referred to the earlier version for definition:

Strong's Exhaustive Concordances:

"From glossa and the base of kosmos; properly, a case (to keep mouthpieces of wind-instruments in) i.e. (by extension) a casket or (specially) purse -- bag."

Thayer's Greek Lexicon:

• a. a case in which to keep the mouth-pieces of wind instruments.
• b. a small box for other uses also; especially a casket, purse to keep money

Bill Mounce: