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Unveiling the Word

The Greek word μόσχος (moschos), which occurs in Luke 15:23, plays a significant role in the parable of the Prodigal Son. Understanding this word enhances our comprehension of sacrificial symbolism, feasting, and celebration within biblical narratives. The use of moschos in this passage conveys the importance of celebration, reconciliation, and honor in the context of the father’s joy upon his son’s return. In ancient Greek culture, the calf was often associated with wealth and festivity, making the use of moschos rich with theological and cultural meaning, particularly in terms of familial and social reconciliation.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μόσχος (moschos), pronounced MOS-khos

Etymology: The word derives from classical Greek, where moschos refers to a young bull or calf, often used in sacrificial rites or for celebratory feasting. The calf symbolized prosperity and abundance, often chosen for religious ceremonies or grand occasions in both Greek and Hebrew cultures.

Part of Speech: Noun, masculine. As a noun, moschos is commonly used to refer to a young male bovine, specifically one that would be raised for sacrifice or special feasts. It is often used in celebratory or ritualistic contexts.

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Defining Meanings

1. Young Calf or Bullock: The primary meaning of moschos refers to a young male calf, specifically one raised for sacrificial purposes or for a celebratory feast, as seen in Luke 15:23 during the father’s feast for his returning son.

2. Sacrificial Animal: In religious contexts, especially within the Septuagint and the New Testament, moschos often carries sacrificial connotations, emphasizing its use in offerings to God or in significant celebrations.

3. Symbol of Celebration and Reconciliation: In parables and stories of reunion, such as the Prodigal Son, the word moschos symbolizes joyous reconciliation and the restoration of relationships, with the slaughtered calf signifying the father’s overflowing joy.

Exploring Similar Words

1. βοῦς (bous) [pronunciation: BOOS]: This word means “ox” or “bull” and refers to adult cattle, particularly those used for plowing or work, whereas moschos specifically refers to a young, unworked calf.

2. ἔριφος (eriphos) [pronunciation: ER-ee-phos]: This word means “kid” or “young goat” and is often used in sacrificial contexts, like moschos, though it refers to goats rather than calves.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, moschos follows the standard patterns of declension for masculine nouns in ancient Greek. It appears in various cases, including the nominative, genitive, and accusative, depending on its grammatical role within a sentence.

Example of Declension:

Case Singular Plural

Nominative μόσχος μόσχοι

Genitive μόσχου μόσχων

Accusative μόσχον μόσχους

Dative μόσχῳ μόσχοις

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word moschos is used throughout Greek literature and biblical texts to signify a calf, often linked to sacrificial offerings or festive meals. In the New Testament, it carries a rich theological symbolism, particularly in stories that emphasize forgiveness, feasting, and reconciliation, such as in the Prodigal Son parable. Lexicons highlight its usage in both the Septuagint and New Testament, where it often represents prosperity, joy, and significant communal events.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 15:23 – “And bring the fattened calf [μόσχον] and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate.”

2. Hebrews 9:12 – “…by his own blood, not by the blood of goats and calves [μόσχων], he entered once for all into the holy places…”

3. Revelation 4:7 – “The first living creature was like a lion, the second living creature like an ox [μόσχος].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text with Greek Word

Homer Odyssey “And they slaughtered the fattened calf [μόσχον] for the feast.”

Septuagint Exodus 32:4 “And he made it a molten calf [μόσχον], and said, ‘These are your gods…’”

Xenophon Anabasis “They sacrificed a young calf [μόσχον] to appease the gods.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μόσχος (moschos), meaning “calf” or “young bull,” holds important symbolic meaning in both ancient Greek culture and New Testament theology. Appearing in Luke 15:23 in the parable of the Prodigal Son, moschos signifies celebration, reconciliation, and joy in the context of familial forgiveness. Its use in religious and cultural practices throughout history, particularly in sacrifices and feasts, makes moschos a word rich with theological and cultural depth. Understanding this term provides greater insight into biblical narratives that emphasize restoration and community.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greek culture, the fattened calf was often reserved for the most important celebrations, including weddings and religious festivals.

2. The word moschos was frequently used in the Septuagint to refer to sacrificial animals in the temple.

3. The calf in the parable of the Prodigal Son symbolizes the father’s complete forgiveness and joy at his son’s return, reflecting God’s grace toward humanity.