Brief Overview of νοσσός (Strong’s G3502: nossos)

Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of Greek words can shed light on the deeper meanings within the text. The word νοσσός (nossos), which appears in Luke 2:24, is particularly significant as it relates to sacrificial offerings in the context of Jewish law. This term refers to “young birds,” specifically doves or pigeons, and is used in passages that describe the requirements of animal sacrifices. By delving into the usage of nossos, we can gain a better understanding of its relevance both to ancient Greek culture and New Testament theology, especially in relation to ceremonial purity and the sacrifices made in the Temple.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: νοσσός (nossos), pronounced nos-SOS.

Etymology: The word nossos stems from the root neos, meaning “new” or “young,” combined with ossos, which may relate to the diminutive form, indicating small or young creatures, particularly birds.

Part of Speech: Noun. Nossos is a masculine noun and is typically used in the plural form in Biblical texts to refer to “young birds” or fledglings, specifically those offered in sacrifice under Jewish law.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Young Birds: The primary meaning of nossos is “young birds,” particularly doves or pigeons. In Luke 2:24, it refers to the pair of birds offered as a sacrifice by Mary and Joseph after the birth of Jesus, in accordance with the purification laws in Leviticus 12:8.

2. Fledglings: The term can also be understood as “fledglings,” emphasizing the youth and tenderness of the birds. This reflects their use in sacrifices, where young, unblemished animals or birds were preferred.

3. Symbol of Purity and Sacrifice: In its usage within Jewish sacrificial contexts, nossos becomes a symbol of purity and devotion. The offering of young doves or pigeons was prescribed for those who could not afford larger animals, reflecting God’s provision for all levels of society in religious practice.

Exploring Similar Words

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1. περιστερά (peristera) [pronunciation: peh-ree-stair-AH]: Meaning “dove” or “pigeon,” this word is often used interchangeably with nossos when referring to sacrificial offerings, but nossos specifically emphasizes the birds’ youth.

2. ὄρνεον (orneon) [pronunciation: OR-neh-on]: Refers generally to “bird,” but is less specific in age or type. While orneon covers all kinds of birds, nossos is restricted to young birds suitable for sacrifice.

3. ὑποπόδιον (hypopodion) [pronunciation: hoo-po-PO-dee-on]: Meaning “small footstool,” this word is metaphorically related to birds by indicating something small or underfoot, much like fledgling birds that are yet to fly.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: Nossos is a masculine noun. It appears in various cases, typically in the nominative or accusative when referring to birds offered in sacrifice. As it is primarily used in plural form in the New Testament, the following is an example of its declension:

Case Singular Plural

Nominative νοσσός νοσσοί

Genitive νοσσοῦ νοσσῶν

Dative νοσσῷ νοσσοῖς

Accusative νοσσόν νοσσούς

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical studies of nossos emphasize its connection to sacrificial offerings in Jewish law. BDAG highlights the importance of nossos in the context of ritual purity, especially in passages like Luke 2:24, where Mary and Joseph offer a pair of young birds. Thayer’s lexicon focuses on the use of nossos in Levitical law, connecting it to the Old Testament prescriptions for purification after childbirth. The LSJ lexicon extends the term’s meaning to include fledglings in general, not limited to sacrificial contexts, which broadens its cultural usage in both religious and non-religious literature. Moulton and Milligan point to nossos as a term indicating the accessibility of worship for those of lesser means, offering young birds instead of larger animals.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 2:24 – “…and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord: ‘a pair of turtledoves or two young [νοσσῶν] pigeons.’”

2. Leviticus 12:8 – “But if she cannot afford a lamb, then she shall take two turtledoves or two young [νοσσῶν] pigeons.”

3. Leviticus 14:22 – “And two turtledoves or two young [νοσσῶν] pigeons, whichever he can afford.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, nossos often refers to young birds, particularly in poetry and nature descriptions. Below are examples:

Author Name of Work Text with νοσσός

Homer Odyssey “The young [νοσσῶν] fledglings chirped.”

Aristophanes Birds “The nest of the young [νοσσός] birds.”

Septuagint Leviticus “Two young [νοσσῶν] doves as an offering.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word nossos (Strong’s G3502) plays a critical role in understanding the sacrificial practices mentioned in the New Testament, particularly in Luke 2:24. This word emphasizes the youth of the birds used for offerings, symbolizing purity, accessibility, and devotion in worship. Through its usage in both the Old Testament and classical Greek literature, nossos illustrates the significance of young creatures in both cultural and religious contexts. Understanding nossos deepens our appreciation of the sacrificial system and its application to all socioeconomic classes.

Did You Know?

1. The offering of young birds was prescribed for those who could not afford a lamb, demonstrating God’s concern for accessibility in worship.

2. Nossos is related to the English word “nest,” as fledglings are often referred to in their nestling stage.

3. In classical Greek literature, nossos was also used metaphorically to describe young, inexperienced people or animals.