Quick Definition
σπήλαιον, ου, τό n.n. a cave, den
Strong's Definition
neuter of a presumed derivative of speos (a grotto); a cavern; by implication, a hiding-place or resort
KJV Usage: cave, den
UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament
noun, n. | -ου
1.57 · Geographical Objects and Features · Depressions and Holes
cave, den, hideout a cave or den generally large enough for at least temporary occupation by persons (since such places were often used for habitation or refuge by those who were refugees or thieves, σπήλαιον has in certain contexts the connotation of a ‘hideout’) In REV 6:15 the reference of σπήλαιον is literal, since people actually hid themselves in such caves. In MAT 21:13, however, the reference is to the Temple, which has been made a kind of ‘cave’ or ‘den,’ and since the connotation of the term suggests a ‘hideout,’ this is obviously a reflection upon the activities and motivations of those who had commercialized the Temple in Jerusalem.
MAT 21:13 · MRK 11:17 · LUK 19:46 · JHN 11:38 · HEB 11:38 · REV 6:15
UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament © United Bible Societies, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Thayer's Greek Lexicon
σπήλαιον, -ου, τό. (σπέος [cavern; cf. Curtius §111]), a cave, [den]: Mt. xxi. 13; Mk. xi.17; Lk. xix. 46; Jn. xi. 38; Heb. xi. 38; Rev. vi. 15. (Plat., Plut., Leian., Ael., al.; Sept. for 77.)
Mounce Concise Greek Dictionary
σπήλαιον spēlaion 6x
a cave, cavern, den, hideout, Mt. 21:13; Mk. 11:17; Lk. 19:46; Jn. 11:38; Heb. 11:38; Rev. 6:5*
Abbott-Smith Greek Lexicon
σπήλαιον, -ου, τό
[in LXX chiefly for מְעָרָה ;]
a cave, cavern: Jo 11:38, He 11:38, He 6:15; σ. (EV, den) λῃστῶν (Je 7:11), Mt 21:13, Mk 11:17, Lk 19:46.†
Moulton & Milligan — Vocabulary of the Greek NT
σπήλαιον. Souter’s note Zer. σοῦ, ““ἃ cave (especially as inhabited),”’ is supported by the Byzantine papyrus Preisigke 52957, where in connexion with the letting of a house we hear of καμάραν μίαν ἐν τῷ σπηλαίῳ σου. MGr σπηλιά, σπήλιο, “cave” : see also Thumb Handbook ὃ 6. 6.
Liddell-Scott-Jones — Greek-English Lexicon
σπήλαιον (spēlaion) — cave. σπήλαιον, τό, grotto, cavern, [NT+5th c.BC+]; σ. λῃστῶν den of robbers, [LXX+NT]; of a grave, [NT+1st c.AD+]
2. privy parts, [LXX]
3. place behind the scenes in a theatre, [Refs 2nd c.AD+]