neuter of a derivative of (to creep); a reptile, i.e. (by Hebraism (compare רֶמֶשׂ)) a small animal:--creeping thing, serpent.
Transliteration:herpetón
Pronunciation:her-pet-on'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ἑρπετόν (herpetón, `{{G2062}}`) is a neuter noun derived from a verb signifying "to creep" or "to crawl." Its core meaning denotes a "reptile" or "creeping thing," specifically referring to animals that move close to the ground. The base definition highlights a significant Hebraism, indicating that its semantic range in the New Testament often mirrors that of the Hebrew term רֶמֶשׂ (remes, `{{H7431}}`), which encompasses a broader category of "creeping things" or "small animals." This includes not only modern biological reptiles but also various small, ground-dwelling creatures, insects, and even some small mammals that might be perceived as "swarming" or "crawling." The emphasis is on their mode of locomotion—close to the earth—and often their perceived lowliness within the animal kingdom.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἑρπετόν appears four times in the New Testament, each instance contributing to its contextual understanding:
* **[[Acts 10:12]] and [[Acts 11:6]]**: In Peter's vision of the sheet descending from heaven, ἑρπετόν is listed alongside "four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, and birds of the air." Here, it represents a distinct category of animals, specifically those considered "unclean" under Mosaic law. Its inclusion underscores the radical nature of God's declaration that "what God has made clean, do not call common." The presence of "creeping things" emphasizes the comprehensive scope of God's cleansing and the breaking down of ritualistic barriers, preparing Peter for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community.
* **[[Romans 1:23]]**: Paul uses ἑρπετόν in his indictment of human idolatry. He states that humanity "exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things." In this context, "creeping things" represents the lowest and most contemptible forms of creation. The act of worshiping such creatures illustrates the profound degradation of human intellect and spiritual perception, a stark reversal of the divinely ordained order where humanity was given dominion over creation. It highlights the depth of humanity's rebellion and spiritual blindness.
* **[[James 3:7]]**: James writes, "For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race." Here, ἑρπετόν (plural ἑρπετῶν) is explicitly translated as "reptiles," fitting well within a comprehensive list of animal categories. This verse emphasizes the remarkable human capacity for dominion over the animal kingdom, contrasting it sharply with the untamable nature of the human tongue. The inclusion of "reptiles" further highlights the breadth of creatures that fall under human control, making the subsequent point about the tongue's destructive power even more potent.
Across these occurrences, ἑρπετόν consistently refers to a category of animals, often those perceived as lowly or unclean, serving to illustrate theological points about divine inclusivity, human depravity, and the scope of human dominion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the Hebrew רֶמֶשׂ (remes, `{{H7431}}`), which the definition of ἑρπετόν explicitly references as its Old Testament parallel. *Remes* is a broad term used in the Old Testament to describe "creeping things" or "moving things" that swarm on the earth. It appears prominently in creation accounts ([[Genesis 1:24-25]], [[Genesis 7:14]]) and in discussions of dietary laws ([[Leviticus 11:29-30]]), where many such creatures were deemed unclean. This strong semantic link informs the understanding of ἑρπετόν in the New Testament, particularly in contexts dealing with clean and unclean distinctions.
In biblical taxonomies of animals, ἑρπετόν often appears alongside other categories such as τετράπους (tetrapous, "four-footed animals"), θηρίον (thērion, "wild beasts"), and πετεινόν (peteinon, "birds"). This consistent grouping underscores its role as one of the fundamental divisions of the animal kingdom, reflecting the ancient understanding of zoological classification. While ἑρπετόν can include "serpent," the specific Greek word for serpent is ὄφις (ophis, `{{G3789}}`), which carries distinct theological connotations, particularly in relation to the Fall ([[Genesis 3:1]]). However, the general category of "creeping things" can evoke a sense of the low, the earthly, and that which is not easily controlled, aligning with the broader symbolic use of such creatures in scripture.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἑρπετόν is multifaceted:
* **Creation and Dominion**: As part of the created order, ἑρπετόν testifies to the vastness and diversity of God's creative power. Its inclusion in lists of animals ([[James 3:7]]) underscores the divine mandate given to humanity to exercise dominion over all creation ([[Genesis 1:28]]). The ability of humanity to "tame" even "reptiles" speaks to the inherent capacity God has endowed in mankind, though this capacity is challenged by the fallen nature of humanity's tongue.
* **Human Idolatry and Degradation**: The use of ἑρπετόν in [[Romans 1:23]] is profoundly significant. It illustrates the ultimate depth of humanity's spiritual depravity, where the glory of the immortal God is exchanged for images of created things, even the lowest and most despised forms. This act of worshiping "creeping things" represents the complete inversion of the divine order and serves as a powerful symbol of humanity's moral and spiritual corruption when it turns away from the Creator.
* **Redemption and Inclusivity**: Perhaps the most profound theological insight comes from Peter's vision in [[Acts 10:12]] and [[Acts 11:6]]. The divine declaration to Peter, "What God has made clean, do not call common," in the context of "creeping things" and other formerly unclean animals, serves as a powerful metaphor for God's radical inclusivity in the new covenant. It signifies the breaking down of the ritualistic barriers between Jew and Gentile, demonstrating that God's grace extends to all humanity, regardless of previous distinctions or perceived "uncleanness." This passage highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which cleanses and sanctifies even that which was formerly deemed unacceptable.
### Summary
ἑρπετόν (herpetón, `{{G2062}}`) denotes "creeping things" or "reptiles," a term whose semantic breadth is significantly influenced by its Hebrew counterpart, רֶמֶשׂ (remes, `{{H7431}}`). Its biblical occurrences reveal several key theological insights. It underscores the vast diversity of God's creation and humanity's divinely appointed dominion over it, as seen in [[James 3:7]]. Critically, in [[Romans 1:23]], ἑρπετόν symbolizes the profound depths of human idolatry and spiritual degradation, where the Creator is abandoned for the worship of the lowest forms of creation. Most significantly, in Peter's vision in [[Acts 10:12]] and [[Acts 11:6]], the inclusion of "creeping things" among the animals declared clean by God serves as a powerful metaphor for the radical inclusivity of the Gospel, signifying the breaking down of ritualistic barriers and the universal scope of God's redemptive work for all humanity. Thus, ἑρπετόν functions as a humble yet potent word, illuminating aspects of creation, human fallenness, and divine grace.
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