Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because it allows readers to grasp the depth and nuances of the original texts. The Greek word ζῷον (zōion) is particularly significant as it refers to “a living being,” “animal,” or “creature.” This word appears frequently in both Biblical and classical Greek literature, and it provides insight into the concept of life and living beings as understood in ancient times. It is a foundational term that helps in understanding discussions about the nature of life, creation, and the divine in both the New Testament and ancient Greek culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ζῷον (zōion), pronounced [ZOH-ee-on].
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root ζάω (zaō), meaning “to live” or “to be alive.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; neuter gender, second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Living being: Refers to any creature that has life.
• Animal: Specifically denotes animals or non-human living creatures.
• Creature: A general term for any created living entity, encompassing both human and non-human forms.

Similar Words: κτίσμα (ktisma), pronounced [KTEE-smah], refers more specifically to “a creation” or “something that is created.” While ζῷον emphasizes the living aspect of a being, κτίσμα focuses on the act of creation itself. Another related word is θηρίον (thērion), pronounced [THAY-ree-on], which often refers to a “wild beast” and carries a connotation of ferocity or danger, unlike the more neutral ζῷον.

Further Insights: ζῷον follows the second declension pattern in Greek, characterized by its neuter gender endings. This word is a common noun and is widely used in both singular and plural forms. Below is a table chart showing the full declension of ζῷον:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes ζῷον as “a living being” or “animal,” particularly in the context of creatures created by God. The term is used broadly in both literal and metaphorical senses.

Thayers: Defines ζῷον as “an animal” or “living creature.” It is often used to describe living beings in the natural world and, in a metaphorical sense, can refer to humans as part of God’s creation.

Vines: Interprets ζῷον as “a living being” and emphasizes its use in contexts where creation and life are the main focus, often in opposition to inanimate objects.

LSJ: Primarily uses ζῷον to mean “animal” in classical literature, but it also notes its philosophical usage to denote “a living being” that has movement and perception.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ζῷον as “a living being” or “an animal,” noting its various occurrences in Biblical texts, where it represents God’s creations, especially in Revelation.

Related Scripture References

• Revelation 4:6: “Before the throne there was something like a sea of glass, like crystal; and in the center and around the throne, four living creatures [ζῷα] full of eyes in front and behind.”
• Hebrews 13:11: “For the bodies of those animals [ζῴων] whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp.”
• James 3:7: “For every species of beasts [ζῴων] and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ζῷον (G2226: zōion)

The Greek word ζῷον (zōion) broadly denotes “a living being,” “animal,” or “creature.” It plays a crucial role in both the New Testament and ancient Greek literature, where it describes all forms of life created by God. In Biblical contexts, ζῷον can refer to animals used in sacrifices, living creatures symbolizing divine beings, or general descriptions of all life forms. Its usage in classical texts also ranges from philosophical discussions on life and nature to everyday references to animals and beings. Understanding ζῷον provides a richer comprehension of passages that deal with creation, life, and the diversity of God’s creatures.

Did You Know?

• The term ζῷον is where we get the modern English word “zoology,” which is the study of animals.
• In Greek philosophy, ζῷον was used to discuss the nature of living beings, differentiating between humans, animals, and divine entities.
• The usage of ζῷον in the book of Revelation, referring to “living creatures,” has been interpreted as symbolic of the four Gospels or of different aspects of creation praising God.