Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in biblical studies to uncover the nuanced meanings and contexts of New Testament passages. The Greek word θρέμμα (thréma) is particularly significant because it refers to a “young animal” or “nursling.” This term is rarely used in the New Testament but is valuable for understanding pastoral, agricultural, and familial imagery in biblical literature. Examining θρέμμα gives us a better understanding of how ancient Greek culture viewed domesticated animals and the significance of their care in daily life, both practically and symbolically.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θρέμμα (thréma) [THREH-mah]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek root θρέφω (thréphō), meaning “to nourish” or “to feed.” The noun θρέμμα refers specifically to something that is nourished or fed, typically a young animal.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter); used to describe a young animal or a creature that is being fed or cared for.
• Grammatical Details: Third declension noun; follows a specific pattern for neuter nouns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Young animal: Refers to a young creature, especially one that is being nursed or cared for.
• Nursling: A baby animal that is still nursing or dependent on milk.
• Domestic animal: Can also refer generally to a domesticated creature raised for farming or household purposes.

Similar Words: ἀρνίον (arníon) [ar-NEE-on] is another Greek noun meaning “lamb” or “young sheep.” While ἀρνίον specifically refers to a young sheep, θρέμμα is broader and can refer to any young, domesticated animal. Another related word is νήπιος (népios) [NEE-pee-os], which means “infant” or “child.” While νήπιος is used for young humans, θρέμμα is applied to young animals, highlighting their vulnerable and dependent state.

Further Insights: As a third declension neuter noun, θρέμμα has a distinct set of endings that differ from the more common first and second declension patterns. Below is a table with the full declension of θρέμμα:

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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: θρέμμα is defined as “a young animal, a nursling.” BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts referring to domesticated animals that are under care, either for farming or as household animals, to underscore vulnerability and the necessity for care.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s describes θρέμμα as “that which is fed, a young animal.” It highlights the word’s application in pastoral contexts, often symbolizing innocence or the need for protection and nurturing, much like the pastoral imagery found throughout biblical texts.
• Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Vine’s discusses θρέμμα in terms of its literal meaning as a “young, nursing animal” and its metaphorical potential to describe the need for care and nurturing. The dictionary notes how this term’s meaning aligns with the pastoral and agricultural settings of many New Testament writings.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): The LSJ lexicon provides a comprehensive overview of θρέμμα, from its basic meaning of “nursling” or “young creature” in everyday contexts to its broader application in literature where it symbolizes innocence, dependence, or domestication.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: G2353. Strong’s defines θρέμμα as “a nursling, a young animal,” emphasizing its use in passages where animals are described as part of daily life, especially in pastoral and household settings, indicating care and nurturing.

Related Scripture References

• James 3:7: “For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind.”

The word θρέμμα does not directly appear in this passage, but the concept of taming and caring for animals is relevant to its broader usage in Greek literature and the New Testament context.

Classical Usage

Summary of θρέμμα (G2353)

The Greek noun θρέμμα (thréma) primarily means “young animal” or “nursling.” It is used to describe domesticated animals that are still being nourished or cared for, symbolizing innocence, dependence, and the need for care. While it does not appear frequently in the New Testament, the term provides valuable insights into biblical pastoral and agricultural imagery, emphasizing themes of care, nurturing, and the relationship between humans and their livestock. Understanding θρέμμα enhances the interpretation of passages that speak to God’s care and the pastoral responsibilities of believers.

Did You Know?

The Greek word θρέμμα is not only used in literature and scripture to describe young animals but also carries a deeper metaphorical significance in philosophy and ethics. In ancient Greek philosophy, taking care of θρέμματα was often used as a metaphor for nurturing young minds, emphasizing the responsibility of educators, parents, and citizens to cultivate and care for the next generation, much like a shepherd or farmer tends to their young flock. This concept is deeply interwoven with the pastoral and agricultural themes found in both ancient Greek thought and biblical teachings. Understanding θρέμμα provides a unique perspective on how care and nurturing were perceived in antiquity and their continued relevance in spiritual and ethical teachings.