Brief Overview of ἀρνίον (G721: arnion)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: arnion

Root Words:

• ἀρνίον (arnion): This noun is derived from the root word ἀρνός (arnós), which means “lamb.” The suffix -ιον (-ion) forms a diminutive, implying a young or small lamb.

Primary Meanings:

• Lamb: The primary meaning of ἀρνίον is “lamb,” specifically a young sheep.
• Sacrificial Lamb: It is often used in a sacrificial context, referring to a lamb offered in sacrifice.
• Symbolic Usage: In a broader sense, ἀρνίον is used symbolically to represent innocence, purity, and sacrifice, particularly in religious or ritual contexts.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG describes ἀρνίον as “lamb,” highlighting its use in both everyday and sacrificial contexts. It emphasizes its symbolic use in religious texts, particularly in reference to Jesus Christ as the “Lamb of God.”

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἀρνίον as “a little lamb,” specifically a young sheep. It notes its symbolic use in Christian theology to represent Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary refers to ἀρνίον as “a little lamb,” used in various contexts, including sacrificial and symbolic. It emphasizes its role in representing Jesus Christ in Christian symbolism.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀρνίον as “a little lamb,” noting its use in both literal and symbolic contexts, particularly in religious and sacrificial practices.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἀρνίον as “a little lamb,” often used in sacrificial contexts and symbolically representing Jesus Christ.

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Bible Verses:

• John 1:29 (KJV): “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.”
• Here, ἀρνίον symbolizes Jesus as the sacrificial lamb.
• Revelation 5:6 (KJV): “And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.”
• In this vision, ἀρνίον represents Jesus Christ in a symbolic and sacrificial role.
• Revelation 13:8 (KJV): “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”
• ἀρνίον is used to symbolize Jesus as the sacrificial lamb whose death was predestined.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἀρνίον is used primarily to denote a young lamb:

• Homer’s Iliad (circa 8th century BC): Refers to ἀρνίον in descriptions of pastoral scenes and sacrificial rites.
• Aristotle’s History of Animals (circa 4th century BC): Mentions ἀρνίον in discussions about animal life and husbandry.
• Euripides’ Plays (circa 5th century BC): Includes references to ἀρνίον in the context of sacrificial rituals and offerings.

4. Summary:

ἀρνίον (G721: arnion) primarily means “lamb,” referring to a young sheep. It is used both literally and symbolically, particularly in sacrificial contexts. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all agree on its primary meaning and its symbolic use in Christian theology to represent Jesus Christ as the sacrificial lamb. Classic Greek literature also illustrates its use in describing young sheep and sacrificial practices.