Pronunciation Guide: al-oh’-pakes

Basic Definition

Strong’s G258: ἀλώπηξ (alopex) refers to a fox, specifically the red fox common to the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. In biblical usage, it carries both literal and metaphorical meanings, often symbolizing cunning, destructiveness, or opportunistic behavior. The word appears in contexts describing both the animal itself and as a metaphor for crafty or untrustworthy individuals.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (feminine)
• Classical Greek origin
• Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts
• Appears in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in ancient Greek literature and fables

ἀλώπηξ Morphology:

• ἀλώπηξ (nominative singular) – a fox
• ἀλώπεκος (genitive singular) – of a fox
• ἀλώπεκι (dative singular) – to/for a fox
• ἀλώπεκα (accusative singular) – fox (direct object)
• ἀλώπεκες (nominative plural) – foxes

Origin & History

The word ἀλώπηξ has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing frequently in Aesop’s Fables where the fox is characterized by its cleverness and cunning. The famous fable “The Fox and the Grapes” uses ἀλώπηξ to portray the fox’s opportunistic nature and rationalization of failure.

In Aristophanes’ works, particularly “The Birds,” the fox appears as a symbol of craftiness and deceit. The term maintained this symbolic significance throughout Greek literature, influencing its later biblical usage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A wild canine of the species Vulpes vulpes, common to the Mediterranean region
• A metaphor for a person characterized by cunning or destructive behavior
• A symbol of opportunistic or predatory nature

ἀλώπηξ Translation Options:

• Fox – When referring to the literal animal (most common)
• Vixen – When emphasizing the feminine gender of the noun
• Cunning One – When used metaphorically to describe a person
• Predator – When emphasizing destructive behavior in agricultural contexts

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀλώπηξ appears most notably in Matthew 8:20, where Jesus uses the fox to illustrate His own lack of earthly security: “Foxes [ἀλώπεκες] have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

The term takes on a more metaphorical meaning in Luke 13:32, where Jesus refers to Herod Antipas as a “fox,” highlighting the ruler’s cunning and potentially destructive nature.

• “Foxes [ἀλώπεκες] have holes and birds of the air have nests” have holes – Matthew 8:20
• “Go tell that fox [ἀλώπεκι]” fox – Luke 13:32
• “Catch the foxes [ἀλώπεκας]” foxes – Song of Solomon 2:15 (Septuagint)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Near Eastern culture, foxes were both admired and despised. They were considered clever survivors but also destructive pests to farmers. The small red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was common throughout the Holy Land, particularly in the hill country and desert regions. They were known for their ability to adapt to various environments and their cunning in hunting.

The Jewish understanding of foxes was deeply influenced by their agricultural experience, where foxes were known to damage vineyards by digging burrows and eating both insects and fruit. This understanding provides crucial context for passages like Song of Solomon 2:15, where foxes represent forces that damage the vineyard of love.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀλώπηξ in Scripture reveals important theological truths about worldly wisdom versus godly wisdom. When Jesus called Herod a fox, He wasn’t merely describing the king’s cunning, but was making a profound statement about the limitations of worldly power in contrast to God’s sovereign authority.

The term also appears in contexts that highlight the temporal nature of earthly security versus the eternal security found in the Messiah. In Matthew 8:20, Jesus uses the fox’s natural habitat to emphasize His own choice to lay aside heavenly glory and security for our salvation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀλώπηξ challenges us to examine our own nature and motives. Are we operating with worldly cunning or godly wisdom? The fox’s reputation for cleverness reminds us that intelligence without godly character can become destructive.

In our spiritual lives, we must also be vigilant against the “little foxes” that can damage our vineyard of faith – those small compromises or character flaws that, if unchecked, can undermine our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

Related Words

• θηρίον (therion) [thay-ree’-on] – wild beast, emphasizing dangerous nature – See G2342
• δόλος (dolos) [dol’-os] – deceit, craft, guile – See G1388
• πανουργία (panourgia) [pan-oorg-ee’-ah] – craftiness, cunning – See G3834
• ζῷον (zoon) [zo’-on] – living creature, beast – See G2226

Did you Know?

• The foxes mentioned in the Bible were likely the small red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which typically weighs only 5-7 kg and is still common throughout Israel today. These foxes are much smaller than their European counterparts and are expert survivors in arid conditions.
• In ancient Greek culture, the fox was often featured in proverbs and sayings about wisdom and cunning. The phrase “to play the fox” (ἀλωπεκίζειν) meant to act deceitfully, showing how deeply embedded the symbolism of the fox was in ancient Mediterranean culture.
• The use of ἀλώπηξ in reference to Herod in Luke 13:32 is the only instance in the New Testament where Jesus uses an animal metaphor to describe a specific person, highlighting the significance of this particular usage.

Remember This

The biblical ἀλώπηξ reminds us that true wisdom comes not from worldly cunning but from walking in the fear of the Lord, where genuine security and prosperity are found in submission to His will.