Sacred Sacrifice: τρυγών (Strong’s G5167: trugon) Reveals Humble Worship

Strong’s G5167: A feminine noun meaning “turtledove,” trugon appears in Luke’s account of Jesus’ presentation at the temple. As a sacrificial offering of the poor, it symbolizes both humble obedience to God’s law and divine provision for all social classes.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρυγών (trugon) specifically refers to the turtledove, a bird designated in Levitical law as an acceptable sacrifice for those who couldn’t afford larger offerings. In the New Testament, it appears in Luke’s narrative of Jesus’ presentation at the temple, where Mary and Joseph’s offering of turtledoves indicates their humble circumstances. The early church fathers often referenced τρυγών when discussing God’s provision for the poor and the value of humble worship. Today, this word continues to remind believers that God accepts sincere worship regardless of economic status.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρυγών, trugon, troo-GOHN
• Detailed pronunciation: τρυ (troo) + γών (GOHN)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: onomatopoeic from the bird’s cooing sound
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic meaning: “turtledove”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “turtledove”
• Sacrificial bird
• Clean bird species
• Poor person’s offering

For compound words: Not applicable as τρυγών is a simple noun

Translation Options:

1. “turtledove” – Specific species
2. “dove” – General category
3. “sacrificial dove” – Contextual meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

περιστερά (peristera) [pe-ree-ste-RAH] – dove/pigeon – See G4058
νοσσός (nossos) [no-SOS] – young bird/pigeon – See G3502
πτηνόν (ptenon) [ptay-NON] – bird – See G4421

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Varies by usage
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third

Greek nouns change form based on their function:

• Nominative: τρυγών (subject)
• Genitive: τρυγόνος (possession)
• Dative: τρυγόνι (indirect object)
• Accusative: τρυγόνα (direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τρυγών’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its role in temple sacrifice and provisions for the poor. Thayer’s lexicon traces its use in Jewish ritual law. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for both wild and domesticated doves. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in purification rituals. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage particularly in Levitical law. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its use in both religious and commercial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: ‘a pair of doves [τρυγόνων] or two young pigeons.'” Luke 2:24

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρυγών powerfully illustrates God’s provision for all people to approach Him in worship. Its appearance in Jesus’ presentation narrative shows how God made provision for the poor to fulfill their religious obligations. Through τρυγών, we see that the good news of King Jesus embraces people of all social standings, demonstrating that true worship depends not on material wealth but on humble faith.

D – Did You Know?

1. Turtledoves were the least expensive acceptable sacrifice
2. They were known for their gentle nature and monogamy
3. The word influenced Christian symbolism of peace and purity

Strong’s G5167: A feminine noun meaning “turtledove,” trugon appears in Luke’s account of Jesus’ presentation at the temple. As a sacrificial offering of the poor, it symbolizes both humble obedience to God’s law and divine provision for all social classes.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: turtledove, sacrifice, worship, poverty, temple, purification, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, Levitical law, provision, humility​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​