### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **herpetón**, represented by `{{G2062}}`, refers to a **reptile** or **creeping thing**. Its definition notes a Hebraic connection to the idea of a small animal, and it is translated as "creeping thing" or "serpent." It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, where it is consistently used to denote a specific class of creature.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2062}}` appears within lists that categorize the animal kingdom for specific theological points. In Paul's letter to the Romans, **creeping things** are mentioned as one of the forms of idolatrous worship, where humanity exchanged the glory of God for images of corruptible creatures [[Romans 1:23]]. In Peter's vision, **creeping things** are included on the sheet let down from heaven, among the animals he was commanded to eat, challenging traditional distinctions of what is clean and unclean ([[Acts 10:12]], [[Acts 11:6]]). Finally, in the epistle of James, the word is translated as **serpents**, cited as part of the animal kingdom that has been tamed by mankind [[James 3:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are consistently used alongside `{{G2062}}` to describe the animal kingdom:
* `{{G2342}}` **thēríon** (a dangerous animal:--(venomous, wild) beast): This term appears with **creeping things** to denote wild animals in the lists found in Peter's vision [[Acts 10:12]] and the list of tamable creatures [[James 3:7]].
* `{{G4071}}` **peteinón** (a flying animal, i.e. bird:--bird, fowl): Representing birds, this word is found in every verse where `{{G2062}}` appears, establishing a common biblical categorization of creeping things and flying things ([[Romans 1:23]], [[Acts 10:12]]).
* `{{G5074}}` **tetrápous** (a quadruped:--fourfooted beast): This word for four-legged animals is used with **creeping things** to describe the objects of idolatry [[Romans 1:23]] and the contents of Peter's vision [[Acts 10:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2062}}` is demonstrated in its specific contexts:
* **Symbol of Corruptible Worship:** In Romans, the **creeping thing** represents a debased form of life that humanity wrongly worships, highlighting the foolishness of exchanging the Creator for an image of the created [[Romans 1:23]].
* **Instrument of Divine Revelation:** The presence of **creeping things** in Peter's vision is a critical detail, as their inclusion among the animals God declared clean serves as a powerful metaphor for the inclusion of the Gentiles into the covenant community [[Acts 10:12]].
* **Benchmark for Self-Control:** In James, the fact that even **serpents** can be tamed by mankind serves as a stark contrast to the untamable and destructive power of the human tongue [[James 3:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2062}}` is a specific term for creeping creatures that, while used sparingly, features in key theological arguments. It is consistently used in categorical lists of animals to make points about the nature of worship, the scope of God's grace, and the standard of human morality. From being an object of false worship to a symbol of divine inclusion, **herpetón** shows how even a simple classification of life can carry profound spiritual meaning.
TRV