Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies as it uncovers the depth and cultural context within the Scriptures. The Greek word ἑρπετόν (herpetón) is particularly significant because it refers to “a creeping thing” or “a reptile,” often used in biblical texts to describe various animals that move close to the ground. This word provides insight into how ancient cultures, including the Jewish and early Christian communities, perceived different forms of life. Additionally, it plays a role in understanding the symbolic meanings associated with such creatures in both the New Testament and the Septuagint.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἑρπετόν (herpetón) [her-pe-TON]
• Etymology: Derived from the root ἑρπύω (herpyō), meaning “to creep” or “to crawl.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter); second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Reptile: Refers to creatures like snakes, lizards, and other crawling animals.
• Creeping thing: A general term used to describe any animal that moves or creeps along the ground.
• Serpent: In some contexts, it is specifically used to denote serpents or snakes, often with symbolic meanings of cunning or danger.

Similar Words: θηρίον (thēríon) [thay-REE-on] means “wild beast” and is often used in contexts referring to more aggressive or dangerous animals. While ἑρπετόν (herpetón) focuses on creeping or crawling creatures, θηρίον (thēríon) refers to animals of a more threatening nature, regardless of their movement style.

Further Insights: The word ἑρπετόν (herpetón) follows the second declension pattern for neuter nouns in Greek. Its use is common in descriptions of the natural world in ancient texts, highlighting the observation of animal behavior and characteristics. Below is the full declension chart for ἑρπετόν:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἑρπετόν is defined as “a creeping or crawling creature, reptile.” It is often used in biblical contexts to refer to small animals that move close to the ground. BDAG highlights its symbolic usage in Genesis and other scriptural passages to describe creatures created by God.

Thayer’s: Describes ἑρπετόν as “a creeping thing,” referring to small land animals, particularly reptiles. Thayer notes its frequent use in contexts discussing creation, law, and purity, where creeping things are often considered unclean.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on ἑρπετόν as “a creeping thing or reptile.” Vine’s points out its usage in the New Testament to describe creatures that symbolize something more profound, such as cunning or impurity, particularly in the context of Jewish ceremonial laws.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἑρπετόν as “a reptile” or “creeping animal,” noting its use in both everyday Greek and more specialized contexts such as natural history, where the term could refer to various small creatures that crawl or slither.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἑρπετόν as “a reptile” or “creeping thing.” Strong’s highlights its appearance in contexts involving God’s creation, dietary laws, and symbols of danger or deception, especially regarding snakes.

Related Scripture References

• Acts 10:12: “In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles [ἑρπετά] and birds of the air.”
• Romans 1:23: “And exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things [ἑρπετά].”
• James 3:7: “For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile [ἑρπετόν] and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind.”

Classical Usage

Septuagint Examples:

Summary of ἑρπετόν (G2062)

In summary, ἑρπετόν (herpetón) is a Greek noun meaning “reptile” or “creeping thing.” It appears in the New Testament and the Septuagint to describe animals that crawl or slither, such as snakes, lizards, and other similar creatures. The word is used both literally to denote small creatures that move close to the ground and metaphorically to convey ideas of cunning, danger, or impurity. Understanding ἑρπετόν is essential for interpreting biblical texts that discuss the natural world, purity laws, and symbolic language related to animals.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word ἑρπετόν (herpetón) is the root for the modern English term “herpetology,” the scientific study of reptiles and amphibians? This connection highlights the continuity of language from ancient Greek to modern scientific terminology, reflecting a long-standing interest in the natural world and its creatures.