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Unveiling the Word

In the study of biblical Greek, certain words carry rich cultural and theological significance, deepening our understanding of the Scriptures. One such word is νοσσίον (nossion), which appears in Matthew 23:37. This Greek word is used by Jesus in a metaphor, describing His desire to gather and protect the people of Jerusalem as a hen gathers her young. Understanding nossion provides insight not only into the biblical narrative but also into ancient Greek concepts of nurturing and care. Its usage reflects deep compassion, linking it to broader themes of divine care and protection.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: νοσσίον (nossion), pronounced nos-SEE-on.

Etymology: The word νοσσίον is a diminutive form derived from νοσσός (nossos), meaning “young bird” or “chick.” As a diminutive, nossion specifically refers to “little chicks” or “baby birds,” emphasizing their vulnerability and dependence on their mother. This root ties the word closely to imagery of care and protection, particularly in the context of motherhood.

Part of Speech: Noun (neuter). The word nossion is a neuter noun, signifying a small or young creature, specifically a young bird. It belongs to the second declension in Greek grammar, and its form changes according to the case and number.

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

Defining Meanings

1. Young Birds or Chicks: The primary meaning of nossion is “young birds” or “chicks.” It refers to the offspring of a bird, emphasizing their small size and need for protection. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus uses this word in His lament over Jerusalem, comparing the people to chicks He longs to gather and protect.

2. Symbol of Vulnerability: Nossion also carries a metaphorical meaning, symbolizing vulnerability and dependence. In the biblical context, it reflects the people’s need for divine protection and care, making the word a poignant part of Jesus’ expression of sorrow for those who reject His shelter.

Exploring Similar Words

1. νοσσός (nossos) [pronunciation: NOS-sos]: This word refers to a young bird or chick, but without the diminutive nuance of nossion. While nossos can refer to a juvenile bird, nossion emphasizes their small, fragile state.

2. ὄρνεον (orneon) [pronunciation: OR-neh-on]: A more general term for “bird,” orneon does not carry the same connotations of youth and vulnerability as nossion. It refers to birds in general, without the specific focus on offspring.

3. πτηνός (ptenos) [pronunciation: pte-NOS]: Meaning “winged” or “feathered,” this word refers broadly to birds or flying creatures. Unlike nossion, it lacks the emphasis on the young or fragile nature of the bird.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For the noun nossion, the morphological features include:

• Case: In Matthew 23:37, nossion appears in the accusative case as it is the direct object of the verb “gathers.”

• Number: Nossion can appear in both singular and plural forms, but in this context, the plural form is used to describe a group of chicks.

• Gender: Neuter.

• Declension: As a second declension neuter noun, nossion follows the regular pattern of neuter noun endings.

For more information on Greek grammar, click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In biblical and classical Greek literature, nossion appears primarily in contexts related to care, protection, and vulnerability. In Matthew 23:37, the word is used by Jesus in His lament over Jerusalem, where He compares His desire to gather the people to a hen gathering her chicks. This metaphor highlights both the protective nature of God and the fragility of humanity.

Classical Greek texts often use nossion in more literal contexts, referring to young birds in nature. The Septuagint occasionally employs similar imagery to emphasize God’s protective role over His people, especially in psalms and prophetic literature.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 23:37: “How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks [nossion] under her wings, but you were not willing.”

2. Luke 13:34: A parallel passage to Matthew 23:37, where Jesus expresses the same lament over Jerusalem using the same tender imagery.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Iliad “The mother bird sheltered her nossion, protecting them with her wings.”

Aristotle History of Animals “The nossion remains with the mother until it is ready to fly.”

Septuagint Deuteronomy 32:11 “As an eagle stirs up its nest and hovers over its young [nossion].”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word nossion offers a vivid and intimate metaphor for divine protection and care. In Matthew 23:37, Jesus’ use of the word reflects His sorrow over Jerusalem’s rejection of His love and protection. The term itself, referring to fragile young birds, underscores the vulnerability of humanity and the nurturing care that God offers. Understanding nossion enriches our grasp of the biblical narrative and reveals the depth of Jesus’ compassion.

Did You Know?

1. The image of a mother bird protecting her nossion was commonly used in ancient literature to symbolize care and protection.

2. In both the Old and New Testaments, God is often described as a protective figure, sheltering His people under His wings, similar to a mother bird and her chicks.

3. The diminutive form of nossion highlights the fragility and dependency of young creatures, making it a powerful metaphor for God’s care for His people.