Unveiling the Word
In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words can provide profound insights into the text’s meaning and cultural context. The Greek word κύων (kyōn), meaning “dog,” is particularly significant due to its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts in the New Testament. This term carries connotations that reflect societal views in the ancient world and offers a deeper understanding of the cultural and theological nuances in the passages where it is used.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κύων (kyōn) [KY-ohn]
Etymology: The word κύων has an ancient Indo-European root, and it is related to the Latin word canis and the English word “canine.” It has retained a relatively consistent meaning across languages, referring to a “dog.”
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Part of Speech: Noun. κύων is a masculine noun and, like most Greek nouns, it changes form based on its case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative), number (singular, plural), and gender (masculine).
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
Meaning 1: Literal Sense – Dog
In its most basic sense, κύων simply means “dog.” In ancient Greek society, dogs were often seen as unclean animals, scavengers that roamed the streets. This perspective is evident in how the term is used in biblical texts, often symbolizing impurity or the unworthy.
Meaning 2: Figurative Sense – An Insult or Metaphor for Impurity
In the New Testament, κύων is used metaphorically to describe those who are considered unclean, unworthy, or outside the covenant community. For instance, in Matthew 7:6, it is used to depict people who are not worthy of the holy or precious things, implying a strong societal and religious boundary.
Meaning 3: Symbol of Exclusion and Warning
The word also serves as a symbol of exclusion, particularly in warnings against those who would mock or degrade holy things. The metaphorical use in this context enhances the understanding of cultural and religious boundaries in the New Testament era.
Exploring Similar Words
σκύβαλον (skubalon) [SKOO-bah-lon]: This word translates to “dung” or “refuse” and, like κύων, can imply something unclean or worthless. It is used metaphorically by Paul in Philippians 3:8 to describe his former accomplishments in comparison to knowing Christ.
ἄθεμιτος (athemitos) [ah-THE-mee-tos]: Meaning “illegitimate” or “unlawful,” this word shares the negative connotations of impurity or exclusion, similar to the usage of κύων in religious and societal contexts.
βέβηλος (bebēlos) [BEH-bee-los]: Translating to “profane” or “worldly,” this word conveys a similar sense of something or someone being unworthy or outside the realm of holiness.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
For Nouns/Adjectives:
- Case, Number, Gender: κύων is a masculine noun. It is declined in the third declension, which affects how it is modified based on its grammatical role in a sentence.
- Declension: Here is the declension table for κύων:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κύων | κύνες |
| Genitive | κυνός | κυνῶν |
| Dative | κυνί | κυσί(ν) |
| Accusative | κύνα | κύνας |
| Vocative | κύον | κύνες |
For further details on Greek nouns, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
κύων is understood across various lexicons as a term that carries a heavy connotation of uncleanness and rejection. In the New Testament, κύων reflects the boundaries between the holy and the unholy, especially in a Jewish context. In classical Greek texts, it could also symbolize vigilance (as in guard dogs) or derision, depending on the context. Theologically, κύων can symbolize those outside God’s covenant community or those who oppose the Gospel. Such rich metaphorical usage in both ancient and New Testament contexts highlights its significance in understanding cultural and religious purity.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Matthew 7:6: “Do not give dogs [κυσὶν] what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.”
Philippians 3:2: “Look out for the dogs [τοὺς κύνας], look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh.”
Revelation 22:15: “Outside are the dogs [οἱ κύνες] and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He fell among the dust and clutched the earth with his hands as the dogs ([κύνες]) closed in.” |
| Aristophanes | The Frogs | “Why do you bark like a dog ([κύων]) over these old tragedies?” |
| Septuagint | 1 Kings 14:11 | “Anyone belonging to Jeroboam who dies in the city the dogs ([κύνες]) shall eat.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word κύων serves both as a literal term for “dog” and a metaphorical term for impurity or exclusion in the New Testament. Its usage highlights boundaries between the sacred and the profane and the notion of who is within or outside God’s covenant community. Understanding κύων in both its literal and metaphorical contexts provides deeper insights into the cultural and theological implications of the biblical texts.
Did You Know?
- Did you know? In ancient Greek culture, dogs were often viewed as scavengers and symbols of impurity, which is why κύων is used metaphorically for uncleanliness in the New Testament.
- Did you know? The word κύων appears three times in the New Testament and always carries a negative connotation.
- Did you know? In the Septuagint, κύων is frequently used to describe those who are outside the covenant, similar to its New Testament usage.
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