Quick Definition
ἀλώπηξ, εκος, ἡ n.f. a fox
Strong's Definition
a fox, i.e. (figuratively) a cunning person
Derivation: of uncertain derivation;
KJV Usage: fox
UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament
noun, f. | -εκος
4.10 · Animals · Animals
fox, jackal animal looking like a longhaired dog with a pointed nose and a bushy tail; either reddish with white underparts (fox) or yellowish brown with red tips to the fur on the back (jackal); scavenger; associated with destruction and devastation, and also with being insignificant but self-important; also intelligent and quick-witted, crafty Though the Greek term ἀλώπηξ and the corresponding Hebrew terms used in the OT may refer to either a fox or a jackal, ἀλώπηξ in the NT seems to refer primarily to a fox (see Fauna and Flora of the Bible, pp. 31–32, for certain significant distinctions between foxes and jackals).
In areas of the world where the fox is not known, one can sometimes speak of ‘a small wild dog’ or ‘an animal like a small wild dog.’ In other instances translators have borrowed the term ‘fox’ from a dominant language in the area and have then explained the appearance and habits of the animal in a glossary.
For ἀλώπηξ in a figurative sense as applied by Jesus to Herod Antipas, see 88.120.
88.120 · Moral and Ethical Qualities and Related Behavior · Bad, Evil, Harmful, Damaging
wicked person, cunning person, fox (a figurative extension of meaning of ἀλώπηξ[a] ‘fox,’ 4.10) a wicked person, probably with the implication of being cunning and treacherous Some scholars, however, suggest that ἀλώπηξ in LUK 13:32 may imply ‘worthlessness.’
Rendering ἀλώπηξ in LUK 13:32 by a term meaning ‘fox’ may sometimes be misleading, since in some cultures the fox is regarded as a particularly wise animal, and therefore referring to a person as a fox may be a compliment. A local term for ‘fox’ may have other connotations which are quite undesirable. For example, in some languages a term for fox is used to designate a male or female prostitute, usually of the lowest grade.
UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament © United Bible Societies, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
ἀλώπηξ, -exos, 7, α for: Mt. vill. 20; LE. ix. 58. Metaph. a sly and crafty man: Lk. xiii. 32; (in the same sense often in the Grk. writ., as Solon in Plut. Sol. 30, 2; Pind. Pyth. 2, 141; Plut. Sulla 28, 5).
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
ἀλώπηξ alōpēx 3x
a fox, Mt. 8:20; Lk. 9:58; met. a fox-like, crafty man, Lk. 13:32*
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
ἀλώπηξ, -εκος, ἡ,
[in LXX for שׁוּעָל;]
a fox: Mt 8:20, Lk 9:58; metaph., of Herod, Lk 13:32.†
Liddell-Scott-Jones — Greek-English Lexicon
ἀλώπηξ (alōpēx) — fox. ἀλώπηξ [ᾰ], εκος (also ἀλώπηκος[Refs 6th c.BC+], ; dative plural, ἀλώπεξι[LXX], Epic dialect ἀλωπήκεσσι[Refs 3rd c.AD+]:—fox, Canis vulpes (smaller Egyptian species [Refs 4th c.BC+], C. niloticus), [Refs 7th c.BC+]: of sly persons, ἀλώπεκος ἴχνεσι βαίνειν[Refs 6th c.BC+]; μῆτιν ἀ. a very fox for craft, [Refs 5th c.BC+] we must trail Archilochus' foxskin behind, i.e. deceive by false appearances, [Refs 5th c.BC+]; ἡ ἀ. τὸν βοῦν ἐλαύνει 'sleight masters might', [Refs 4th c.AD+]; πεινῶσαν ἀ. ὕπνος ἐπέρχεται 'qui dort dine', [Refs]; ἡ κέρκος τῇ ἀλώπεκι μαρτυρεῖ 'ex pede Herculem', [Refs]; ἀλλ᾽ οὐκ αὖθις ἀ. (i.e. πάγαις ἁλώσεται) 'a burnt child dreads the fire', [Refs]
II. a large bat, Sciurus or Pteromys volans, [Refs 4th c.BC+]
III. ={ἀλωπεκίας} [Refs]
IV. in plural, muscles of the loins, psoas-muscles, [Refs 4th c.BC+]
V. ={ἀλωπεκία} [Refs]mange, [Refs 3rd c.BC+]: in plural, bald patches, [Refs 5th c.BC+]
VI. kind of dance, uncertain in [Refs 5th c.BC+]