from ἔριφος; a kidling, i.e. (genitive case) goat (symbolically, wicked person):--goat.
Transliteration:eríphion
Pronunciation:er-if'-ee-on
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἐρίφιον (eríphion, `{{G2055}}`) is a diminutive form derived from ἔριφος (eriphos), which broadly means "goat" or "kid." As a diminutive, eríphion literally signifies a "kidling" or "young goat." While it maintains this literal zoological meaning, its primary and most profound usage in the New Testament is symbolic. The base definition provided indicates its extension to represent a "wicked person." This semantic expansion is crucial for understanding its theological weight, moving beyond a mere description of an animal to embody a specific spiritual or moral state, particularly in an eschatological context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐρίφιον (eríphion, `{{G2055}}`) appears exclusively in a singular, yet profoundly significant, passage within the New Testament: the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25. Specifically, it is found in [[Matthew 25:32]] and [[Matthew 25:33]]. In this eschatological discourse, Jesus describes the final judgment where the Son of Man will separate all nations. He states, "And before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats" ([[Matthew 25:32]]). The subsequent verse clarifies this separation: "And he will place the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left" ([[Matthew 25:33]]). Here, eríphion (translated as "goats") stands in direct contrast to πρόβατον (probáton, "sheep," `{{G4263}}`). The goats are those who failed to minister to "the least of these" (i.e., Christ's brothers and sisters), leading to their condemnation to eternal punishment. The context is one of divine judgment based on active compassion and identification with Christ in the needy.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Greek term is ἔριφος (eriphos), the root from which eríphion is derived, both referring to a goat or kid. While eríphion is a diminutive, the New Testament usage in Matthew 25 blurs any practical distinction, with both terms essentially conveying "goats" in the context of the parable. The contrasting term, πρόβατον (probáton, `{{G4263}}`), "sheep," is vital for understanding the symbolic dichotomy presented by Jesus. The concept of "separation" is paramount, drawing parallels to Old Testament imagery of distinguishing between clean and unclean, or righteous and unrighteous. While goats were used in Old Testament sacrificial rituals (e.g., the Day of Atonement, `{{H5795}}`), the symbolic meaning of eríphion in Matthew 25 is distinct, focusing not on sacrifice but on the character and actions of individuals in relation to Christ's kingdom. Related theological concepts include eschatology, divine judgment, works of mercy, and the identification of Christ with the poor and marginalized.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἐρίφιον (eríphion, `{{G2055}}`) is profound, stemming almost entirely from its role in the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats. In this parable, the "goats" represent those who, at the final judgment, are found to have neglected their responsibility to show compassion and practical love to the vulnerable, the hungry, the thirsty, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. Their condemnation to "eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels" ([[Matthew 25:41]]) is based not on overt acts of wickedness, but crucially, on a sin of omission – a failure to act, to love, and to recognize Christ in the guise of the needy. This highlights that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but must manifest in tangible acts of mercy and justice. The "goats" embody a lack of true identification with Christ's kingdom values, demonstrating that a mere profession of faith without corresponding works of love is insufficient for salvation. The imagery serves as a stark warning and a powerful call to active, compassionate discipleship, emphasizing that our eternal destiny is intricately linked to how we treat "the least of these."
### Summary
The Greek term ἐρίφιον (eríphion, `{{G2055}}`), literally meaning "kidling" or "young goat," holds immense symbolic weight in the New Testament. Its singular, yet pivotal, appearance in [[Matthew 25:32-33]] establishes it as a powerful symbol of those who are rejected at the final judgment. In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, the "goats" represent individuals who fail to demonstrate practical love and compassion towards "the least of these," thereby failing to minister to Christ Himself. This usage underscores the theological truth that true faith is evidenced by active works of mercy and justice. The eríphion thus serves as a solemn reminder of the eternal consequences of neglecting the call to love and serve others, particularly the vulnerable, revealing a fundamental disconnect from the heart of God.
TRV