Understanding ἀρήν (arēn) Strong’s G704: The Sacrificial Lamb in Ancient Jewish Imagery that Points to the Messiah

Pronunciation Guide: ah-RAIN

Basic Definition

Strong’s G704: The word ἀρήν refers specifically to a lamb, particularly in the context of sacrificial offerings and pastoral imagery. It carries deep sacrificial and messianic undertones, especially when used metaphorically to describe believers or the Messiah Himself.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (masculine)
• Root origin from Proto-Indo-European *h₁er- (young animal/lamb)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Rare in New Testament, but significant in pastoral/sacrificial contexts

ἀρήν Morphology:

• ἀρήν (nominative singular) – a lamb
• ἀρνός (genitive singular) – of a lamb
• ἀρνί (dative singular) – to/for a lamb
• ἄρνα (accusative singular) – a lamb (direct object)
• ἄρνες (nominative plural) – lambs
• ἀρνῶν (genitive plural) – of lambs

Origin & History

The term ἀρήν has ancient roots in classical Greek literature, where it primarily referred to young sheep or lambs. In Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, it appears in pastoral contexts describing the vulnerability of lambs among wolves. The Septuagint translators often used this term alongside ἀμνός (amnos) when translating the Hebrew כֶּבֶשׂ (keves) and טָלֶה (taleh), particularly in sacrificial contexts.

The word gained deeper theological significance in Jewish sacrificial system literature, where it became intrinsically linked with the concept of substitutionary atonement and the Passover tradition. Philo of Alexandria, in his work “On the Special Laws,” uses ἀρήν when discussing the symbolic significance of lamb sacrifices.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A young sheep under one year old
• A sacrificial lamb in temple worship
• A metaphor for innocence and vulnerability
• A symbol of submission to divine authority

ἀρήν Translation Options:

• “lamb” – most common translation, emphasizing the literal meaning
• “young sheep” – when agricultural context is primary
• “sacrificial lamb” – when used in temple worship contexts
• “vulnerable one” – when used metaphorically in pastoral teaching

Biblical Usage

The most significant usage of ἀρήν appears in Luke 10:3, where Yeshua uses it to describe His disciples’ vulnerability: “Behold, I send you out as lambs [ἄρνας] among wolves.” This metaphorical usage emphasizes both the disciples’ defenselessness and their complete dependence on their Shepherd.

While rare in the New Testament, its usage carries profound theological weight, particularly in pastoral and sacrificial contexts. The word choice emphasizes the vulnerability and innocence of the subject, drawing parallel to Old Testament sacrificial imagery.

Key passages include:

• “Behold, I send you out as lambs [ἄρνας] among wolves” Luke 10:3
• “Feed My lambs [ἀρνία] in tender care” John 21:15

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, lambs held immense significance beyond their agricultural value. The lamb was central to the Passover celebration, where each family would select a perfect lamb on the tenth of Nisan and keep it for four days before sacrifice. This practice created a personal connection with the sacrificial animal, making the substitutionary aspect more poignant.

The cultural understanding of a lamb’s vulnerability and complete dependence on its shepherd provides crucial context for understanding Yeshua’s use of ἀρήν in Luke 10:3. When He sent out His disciples as “lambs among wolves,” the Jewish audience would have immediately grasped both the danger and the implicit promise of divine protection.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀρήν in the New Testament builds upon the rich Old Testament theology of sacrifice and redemption. When Yeshua describes His disciples as lambs, He draws upon centuries of sacrificial imagery that would culminate in His own sacrifice as the perfect Lamb of God.

This word choice emphasizes not only vulnerability but also purpose. Just as lambs in the Old Testament sacrificial system served a divine purpose in atoning for sin, disciples described as ἀρήν carry forward this legacy of purposeful sacrifice in service to God.

The term also reflects the character of God as both the provider of the sacrifice and the faithful Shepherd who protects His flock. This dual nature of provision and protection demonstrates His perfect love and care for His people.

Personal Application

When we understand ourselves as ἀρήν – lambs sent out by the Great Shepherd – it should produce both humility and confidence. Humility in recognizing our complete dependence on Him, and confidence in knowing that He who sends us also protects us.

This understanding calls us to embrace our vulnerability as a strength, knowing that when we are weak, then we are strong through His power. It challenges us to trust His guidance and protection even when surrounded by “wolves,” remembering that He never sends us where His grace cannot sustain us.

Related Words

• ἀμνός (amnos) [am-NOS] – sacrificial lamb, emphasizing ceremonial aspects and messianic typology. Less focused on vulnerability, more on sacrificial purpose. See G286
• πρόβατον (probaton) [PRO-ba-ton] – sheep in general, emphasizing the relationship with the shepherd. See G4263
• ποίμνιον (poimnion) [POIM-nee-on] – flock, emphasizing collective identity of God’s people. See G4168

Did you Know?

• In ancient Greek agricultural texts, ἀρήν specifically referred to a lamb under one year old, highlighting its vulnerability and dependency on the shepherd. This precise meaning adds depth to Yeshua’s use of the term for His disciples.
• The Passover lamb in Jewish tradition had to be kept from the 10th to the 14th of Nisan before sacrifice, creating a personal bond between the family and the lamb – a practice that makes the metaphorical use of ἀρήν more emotionally resonant.
• Modern Greek still uses the root of ἀρήν in words relating to lambs and sheep, maintaining this ancient connection between vulnerability and divine protection.

Remember This

ἀρήν reminds us that our apparent vulnerability in the Messiah’s service becomes our greatest strength when we fully trust in His shepherding care.