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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for gaining a deeper insight into the cultural and theological nuances of the New Testament. The word κυνάριον (kynárion), which first appears in Matthew 15:26, carries significant connotations within the context of Jesus’ ministry. It is translated as “little dog” or “puppy,” a diminutive form of the word for “dog” (κύων), and is used in a dialogue between Jesus and a Syrophoenician woman. This word is particularly significant because it reflects the cultural attitudes and language of the time, as well as the dynamics of inclusion and faith in the teachings of Jesus. Understanding κυνάριον helps readers appreciate the delicate interplay of cultural norms, theological teachings, and the subversive compassion that characterizes much of Jesus’ interactions in the Gospels.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κυνάριον (kynárion) [koo-NAH-ree-on]
Etymology: The word κυνάριον is derived from the Greek root word κύων (kyōn), meaning “dog.” The suffix “-άριον” (-árion) serves as a diminutive form, creating a term that translates more closely to “little dog” or “puppy.” This diminutive can carry a more affectionate or endearing tone, distinguishing it from the harsher connotations that “dog” might typically imply.

Part of Speech: Noun (neuter). κυνάριον is a second-declension noun in Greek, which means its endings change according to its case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular or plural).

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Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Little Dog or Puppy
The primary meaning of κυνάριον is “little dog” or “puppy,” indicating a smaller, possibly domesticated animal. In the context of the New Testament, it appears in a conversation where Jesus uses it metaphorically to discuss who is deserving of “the children’s bread,” symbolizing the blessings of Israel.

Meaning 2: Figurative Use for Gentiles
In a figurative sense, κυνάριον is used to represent Gentiles or those considered outsiders to the Jewish covenant community. While this might seem harsh, the diminutive form softens the implication, suggesting a more inclusive approach.

Exploring Similar Words

κύων (kyōn) [KYON]: Refers to a “dog” in a general sense. Unlike κυνάριον, it does not carry the diminutive or potentially affectionate connotation and is often used pejoratively in ancient texts.

προσήλυτος (prosēlytos) [pro-SAY-loo-tos]: Refers to a “proselyte” or a “convert” to Judaism. While not directly similar in meaning, it also addresses the inclusion of Gentiles in the covenant community, which is the underlying theme in the use of κυνάριον.

ἔθνος (ethnos) [ETH-nos]: Means “nation” or “Gentile” and is frequently used in the New Testament to distinguish between Jews and non-Jews. It differs from κυνάριον as it is a more neutral term for non-Jews rather than a diminutive metaphor.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:

Case, Number, Gender: κυνάριον is a neuter noun of the second declension. It appears in singular or plural forms and its endings vary depending on the grammatical role in a sentence.
Declension: The declension of κυνάριον is as follows:

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	κυνάριον	κυνάρια
Genitive	κυναρίου	κυναρίων
Dative	κυναρίῳ	κυναρίοις
Accusative	κυνάριον	κυνάρια

For a more detailed explanation of Greek declensions, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In examining various Greek lexicons, κυνάριον is consistently described as a term that, while literally meaning “little dog,” holds deeper symbolic weight in the context of the New Testament. It is used by Jesus in a seemingly exclusive sense but ultimately leads to an inclusive outcome, showing his responsiveness to faith beyond ethnic boundaries. Lexical sources also suggest that the use of the diminutive reflects a cultural tension but is employed by Jesus to demonstrate the widening of God’s kingdom to include all who believe, regardless of origin.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 15:26: “And he answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the [dogs] [κυνάριον].'”
Mark 7:27: “And he said to her, ‘Let the children be fed first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the [dogs] [κυνάριον].'”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text with Greek Word
Plato	Republic	“They treated him as if he were a mere puppy ([κυνάριον]).”
Aristophanes	The Wasps	“You would think I was a hungry little dog ([κυνάριον]).”
Septuagint	Judges 7:5	“Every man who laps with his tongue, as a dog ([κυνάριον]) laps, you shall set by himself.”

Noteworthy Summary

The word κυνάριον (kynárion) reveals much about the social dynamics and theological depth of the New Testament. It brings to light the subtle ways Jesus challenges prevailing cultural norms, using common language in transformative ways to teach profound spiritual truths. By understanding the nuances of κυνάριον, readers can better grasp the inclusive nature of Jesus’ ministry and the openness of God’s kingdom to those who demonstrate faith.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The use of κυνάριον by Jesus is one of the few instances in the New Testament where a diminutive form is used to soften a metaphorical statement.
Did you know? In ancient Greek culture, dogs were often considered unclean, but domesticated “little dogs” were kept by some families, adding a layer of nuance to the metaphor.
Did you know? The dialogue between Jesus and the Syrophoenician woman is often cited as a turning point in understanding the universality of Jesus’ mission.