Pronunciation Guide: ah-KREES

Basic Definition

Strong’s G200: ἀκρίς refers to a locust or grasshopper, specifically the migratory locust common to the Middle East and North Africa. In biblical contexts, it represents both a source of kosher food and, in large swarms, an instrument of divine judgment. The word particularly gained significance through its association with John the Baptist’s wilderness diet.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Noun, feminine
• Root: Possibly related to ἄκρος (akros, “highest point”), referring to their jumping ability
• Usage Context: Primarily found in narrative and apocalyptic literature
• Language Origin: Classical Greek

ἀκρίς Morphology:

• ἀκρίς (nominative singular) – a locust
• ἀκρίδος (genitive singular) – of a locust
• ἀκρίδι (dative singular) – to/for a locust
• ἀκρίδα (accusative singular) – locust (direct object)
• ἀκρίδες (nominative plural) – locusts
• ἀκρίδων (genitive plural) – of locusts

Origin & History

The term ἀκρίς has a rich history in classical Greek literature, appearing in works like Aristotle’s “Historia Animalium,” where he describes their biological characteristics and behavior patterns. Theophrastus, in his botanical works, discusses locusts’ impact on agriculture, demonstrating the word’s significance in ancient scientific literature.

In the Hellenistic period, the word maintained its concrete meaning but gained additional significance through its inclusion in the Septuagint translation of the Hebrew Bible, where it became associated with divine judgment, particularly in the narrative of the Egyptian plagues.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A large grasshopper species capable of swarming (Schistocerca gregaria or similar species)
• An instrument of divine judgment in apocalyptic literature
• A permissible food source under Jewish dietary laws
• A symbol of God’s provision in wilderness contexts

ἀκρίς Translation Options:

• Locust – Most precise translation when referring to the specific desert species
• Grasshopper – Acceptable when emphasizing the individual insect rather than swarms
• Desert Locust – Helpful when specificity about species is needed
• Migratory Locust – Useful when emphasizing the swarming behavior

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀκρίς appears most notably in connection with John the Baptist’s wilderness diet, emphasizing his ascetic lifestyle and God’s provision in the desert. The term gains apocalyptic significance in Revelation, where locusts become symbols of divine judgment.

The Septuagint uses ἀκρίς extensively in Exodus’s plague narrative, establishing a pattern of the word’s dual nature as both provision and judgment. This duality enriches our understanding of God’s sovereignty over creation for both blessing and correction.

• “Now John himself had a garment of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts [ἀκρίδες] and wild honey.” Matthew 3:4
• “And out of the smoke came locusts [ἀκρίδες] upon the earth.” Revelation 9:3
• “The appearance of the locusts [ἀκρίδες] was like horses prepared for battle.” Revelation 9:7

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, locusts held a unique position as one of the few insects considered kosher for consumption. According to Leviticus 11:22, certain types of locusts were permitted as food, with specific traditions developing around their preparation and consumption. Bedouin communities in the Holy Land maintained these traditions, often sun-drying locusts for preservation and consuming them with honey or olive oil – a practice that illuminates John the Baptist’s wilderness diet.

The cultural significance of locusts extended beyond their role as food. In agricultural societies, they were seen as both a blessing and a curse – a curse when appearing in devastating swarms, but a blessing as a protein-rich food source in times of scarcity. This paradox deeply influenced Middle Eastern perspectives on divine providence and judgment.

Theological Significance

The dual nature of ἀκρίς in Scripture reveals profound theological truths about God’s character and sovereignty. As an instrument of judgment in the Exodus narrative and Revelation, locusts demonstrate יהוה (Yahweh)’s absolute control over creation and His ability to use even the smallest creatures to accomplish His purposes.

Yet, as part of John the Baptist’s sustenance, locusts also represent God’s faithful provision for His servants. This provision notably occurred in the wilderness – a setting consistently used in Scripture to demonstrate God’s care for His people. The Messiah Jesus’ affirmation of John’s ministry, including his lifestyle, further validates this understanding of locusts as evidence of divine provision.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀκρίς challenges us to recognize God’s provision in unexpected forms. Just as John the Baptist found sustenance in what many might consider an undesirable food source, we too are called to trust in God’s provision even when it comes in unexpected packages.

Moreover, the locust’s transformation from individual insect to overwhelming swarm reminds us that God often works through the multiplication of small things. This can encourage us when our resources or influence seem insignificant, knowing that in His hands, even the smallest things can have tremendous impact.

Related Words

• ἔρημος (eremos) – wilderness/desert – Connects to the natural habitat of locusts and John’s ministry setting See G2048
• μέλι (meli) – honey – Associated with locusts in John’s diet See G3192
• βρῶσις (brōsis) – food/eating – Related to locusts as a food source See G1035
• πληγή (plēgē) – plague/strike – Connected to locusts as divine judgment See G4127

Did you Know?

• Desert locusts can consume their own body weight in fresh food per day – about 2-3 grams. A small part of an average swarm eats as much food in one day as about 10 elephants, 25 camels, or 2,500 people.
• Modern Bedouin communities still collect and eat locusts, preparing them much as they would have been in biblical times. They are typically dried in the sun and are considered a good source of protein, containing about 62% protein by dry weight.
• The specific species of locust mentioned in Scripture was likely the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), which remains common in the Middle East today and can transform from a solitary insect into part of a devastating swarm under certain environmental conditions.

Remember This

ἀκρίς embodies the paradox of God’s providence – the same creature that demonstrates His judgment also reveals His faithful provision for those who trust in Him.