Brief Overview of πτηνός (Strong’s G4421: ptenos)

Strong’s G4421: An adjective used substantively meaning “winged, feathered,” or when used as a noun, “birds.” Derived from πέτομαι (to fly). Used in Paul’s discussion of different kinds of flesh in 1 Corinthians 15, distinguishing birds as a distinct category of created beings.

U- Unveiling the Word

πτηνός carries significance beyond its basic meaning of “winged” or “birds.” In its New Testament context, Paul uses it in his profound discussion of resurrection bodies, where it helps illustrate the diversity of God’s creation and the different types of glory in created beings. The word appears in a crucial passage discussing the transformation from earthly to heavenly bodies, where birds represent one category of flesh distinct from others. Early church fathers often referenced this term when explaining the nature of resurrected bodies and the diversity of God’s creation. Today, it continues to help us understand both the variety in God’s creation and the promise of transformation in resurrection.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πτηνός, ptenos, /ptay-nos/
• Detailed pronunciation: p-TAY-nos (with initial ‘p’ pronounced)
• Part of Speech: Adjective (used substantively as a noun)

Etymology:

• Root: πέτομαι (petomai) – “to fly”
• Suffix: -ηνός (-enos) – adjectival ending indicating characteristic
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *pet- (to fly)

D – Defining Meanings

• Winged, feathered
• Birds (when used as a noun)
• Flying creatures

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Birds” – Most natural when used as a noun
• “Winged creatures” – More precise descriptive translation
• “Flying beings” – Alternative emphasizing capability rather than form

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πτέρυξ (pterux) /pter-ooks/ – “wing” – See G4420
• πέτομαι (petomai) /pet-om-ahee/ – “to fly” – See G4072
• ὄρνεον (orneon) /or-neh-on/ – “bird” – See G3732

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective used substantively, πτηνός follows standard adjectival patterns:

• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter forms available
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Declension: First/Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Masculine: πτηνός (winged one)
• Feminine: πτηνή
• Neuter: πτηνόν
• Plural: πτηνά (birds)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in categorizing types of flesh in 1 Corinthians. Thayer’s notes its development from adjective to substantive usage. LSJ documents its widespread use in classical literature for flying creatures. Vine’s connects it to Paul’s teaching on resurrection bodies. Strong’s emphasizes its relation to flight. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in natural history contexts. LEH discusses its usage in the Septuagint for categorizing clean and unclean birds.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 15:39 “All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of birds [πτηνῶν], and another of fishes.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πτηνός appears in Paul’s magnificent discussion of resurrection, helping us understand the dramatic transformation awaiting believers. Just as birds represent a distinct type of flesh with their own glory, so the resurrection body will be uniquely suited for eternal life. This word proclaims the good news that in Christ, we await not just restoration but transformation, receiving bodies perfectly designed for eternal fellowship with God.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek natural philosophers used πτηνός in detailed classifications of living beings.
2. The word influenced early Christian artistic representations of the resurrection.
3. Medieval theologians used this term in discussions about the nature of resurrected bodies.

Strong’s G4421: An adjective used substantively meaning “winged, feathered,” or when used as a noun, “birds.” Derived from πέτομαι (to fly). Used in Paul’s discussion of different kinds of flesh in 1 Corinthians 15, distinguishing birds as a distinct category of created beings.

Part of speech: Adjective (used substantively)

Tags: birds, flying creatures, resurrection body, creation categories, Paul’s teachings, transformation, bodily glory, creatures, winged beings, natural world, creation diversity, resurrection hope