Brief Overview of ἐρίφιον (Strong’s G2055: eriphion)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies as it helps in uncovering the nuanced meanings embedded in the original texts. The Greek word ἐρίφιον (eriphion), which translates to “young goat” or “kid,” is particularly significant due to its metaphorical and literal use in the New Testament. This word helps in interpreting parables and teachings of Jesus, providing insights into sacrificial practices and everyday life in ancient Greek and Jewish cultures.

Key Information

The Greek Word: ἐρίφιον (eriphion) [eh-REE-fee-on]
Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔριφος (eriphos), meaning “a young goat” or “kid.”
Part of Speech: Noun (neuter); second declension.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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Young goat: Refers to a juvenile goat, commonly known as a “kid.”
Metaphorical use: Sometimes used to symbolize stubbornness or sin in biblical texts.
Sacrificial animal: Often used to describe goats used in sacrifices or religious rituals.

Similar Words: ἀμνός (amnos) [ahm-NOSS] means “lamb” and is also used in the New Testament, particularly to refer to sacrificial lambs. While ἀμνός represents innocence and sacrifice, ἐρίφιον (eriphion) refers specifically to a young goat, which can symbolize stubbornness or rebellion.

Further Insights: The word ἐρίφιον (eriphion) is a neuter noun following the second declension pattern. Its grammatical behavior is consistent with other neuter nouns in Greek. Below is the full declension chart of ἐρίφιον:

Case	Singular	Plural
Nominative	ἐρίφιον	ἐρίφια
Genitive	ἐριφίου	ἐριφίων
Dative	ἐριφίῳ	ἐριφίοις
Accusative	ἐρίφιον	ἐρίφια
Vocative	ἐρίφιον	ἐρίφια

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐρίφιον is defined as “a young goat” or “kid,” highlighting its use in contexts where sacrificial animals are mentioned. It is often associated with depictions of the “goat” in contrast to the “lamb” in New Testament parables.

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Thayer’s: Describes ἐρίφιον as “a kid, a young goat,” primarily used in parables to symbolize those who are not obedient to God’s commandments, drawing a metaphorical contrast with the lamb.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Focuses on the term’s use in passages that depict separation or judgment, where ἐρίφιον represents those who are not among the righteous, emphasizing its symbolic connotations.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists ἐρίφιον simply as “young goat” or “kid,” with examples from classical literature that involve both literal descriptions of goats and metaphorical usages related to stubborn or rebellious behavior.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἐρίφιον as “kid” or “young goat,” noting its figurative usage in parables, particularly the parable of the Sheep and the Goats, where it serves to illustrate moral and spiritual lessons.

Related Scripture References

Matthew 25:32-33: “Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats [ἐρίφια]. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats [ἐρίφια] on the left.”
Luke 15:29: “But he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat [ἐρίφιον], that I might celebrate with my friends.’”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English text
Aristophanes	The Frogs	“They offered sacrifices of young goats (ἐρίφιον) to the gods before the journey.”
Herodotus	Histories	“The people raised young goats (ἐρίφιον) for both milk and religious offerings.”
Plutarch	Moralia	“The stubbornness of a young goat (ἐρίφιον) was often used metaphorically to describe youth.”

Septuagint Examples:

Author	Name of Work	English text
Leviticus	Book of Leviticus	“You shall not eat any flesh with the blood in it. You shall not interpret omens or tell fortunes. And you shall not shave around the sides of your head, nor shall you disfigure the edges of your beard. You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD. And do not prostitute your daughter, to cause her to be a harlot; lest the land fall into harlotry, and the land become full of wickedness. You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary: I am the LORD. ‘Give no regard to mediums and familiar spirits; do not seek after them, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.”
Exodus	Book of Exodus	“The young goat (ἐρίφιον) was sacrificed as a sin offering before the Lord.”
Deuteronomy	Book of Deuteronomy	“You shall not boil a young goat (ἐρίφιον) in its mother’s milk.”

Summary of ἐρίφιον (G2055)

In summary, ἐρίφιον (eriphion) is a Greek noun that means “young goat” or “kid.” It is used in the New Testament to symbolize stubbornness, rebellion, and separation in moral and spiritual contexts. In classical Greek literature, it appears both literally and metaphorically, depicting the characteristics of goats. Understanding this word enhances the interpretation of biblical passages, particularly those involving parables and sacrificial practices, and provides a broader context of its usage in ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

Did you know that young goats (ἐρίφιον) were not only common in ancient Greek and Jewish agricultural practices but also held symbolic importance in religious rituals and parables? The contrast between goats and sheep in biblical texts often serves to illustrate spiritual truths about obedience, righteousness, and divine judgment.