neuter of a derivative of ζάω; a live thing, i.e. an animal:--beast.
Transliteration:zōon
Pronunciation:dzo'-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term ζῶον (zōon, `{{G2226}}`) is a neuter noun derived from the verb ζάω (zaō, `{{G2198}}`), which means "to live." Fundamentally, ζῶον signifies "a living thing," "that which possesses life," or "a living creature." Its semantic range extends from any animate being, such as an animal or beast, to more specific and symbolic "living creatures" in apocalyptic literature. Unlike θήριον (thērion, `{{G2342}}`), which often denotes a wild, ferocious, or monstrous beast, ζῶον carries a more neutral or even positive connotation, simply emphasizing the quality of being alive. In the Septuagint, it frequently translates Hebrew terms like חַי (chai, `{{H2416}}`) or בְּהֵמָה (behemah, `{{H929}}`), often in contexts of creation or animal life in general.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the New Testament, ζῶον appears predominantly in the Book of Revelation, where its usage is highly significant and symbolic. The vast majority of its occurrences refer to the four "living creatures" (often translated "beasts" in older versions, but "living creatures" more accurately conveys their nature) who surround God's throne.
For example, [[Revelation 4:6-9]] introduces these four ζῶον as central figures in heavenly worship, each having a distinct appearance (like a lion, an ox, a man, and an eagle) and being "full of eyes in front and behind." They perpetually give glory, honor, and thanks to God. Their role is further emphasized throughout Revelation:
* They call forth the riders of the four horses ([[Revelation 6:1]], [[Revelation 6:3]], [[Revelation 6:5]], [[Revelation 6:7]]).
* They fall down in worship alongside the elders ([[Revelation 5:8]], [[Revelation 7:11]], [[Revelation 19:4]]).
* One of the ζῶον gives the seven golden bowls full of God's wrath to the seven angels ([[Revelation 15:7]]).
This usage in Revelation draws heavily from the imagery of the cherubim and seraphim in Old Testament prophetic books, particularly Ezekiel ([[Ezekiel 1:5]], [[Ezekiel 10:15]]) and Isaiah ([[Isaiah 6:2]]), where similar "living creatures" are depicted as guardians of God's throne and agents of His will. The distinction between ζῶον and θήριον in Revelation is critical: ζῶον refers to celestial, worshipful beings, while θήριον consistently denotes the earthly, demonic "beast" that opposes God ([[Revelation 13:1-18]]). This contrast highlights the spiritual battle between divine order and rebellious evil.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ζάω (zaō, `{{G2198}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to live," from which ζῶον directly derives. It emphasizes the active state of being alive.
* **ζωή (zōē, `{{G2222}}`):** "Life" as a principle or state, often referring to spiritual or eternal life in the New Testament. ζῶον is a *thing* that possesses ζωή.
* **θήριον (thērion, `{{G2342}}`):** "Wild beast," often with negative connotations of ferocity, danger, or monstrousness. In Revelation, it specifically refers to the Antichrist power, standing in stark contrast to the divine ζῶον.
* **κτίσις (ktisis, `{{G2937}}`):** "Creation" or "creature," a broader term encompassing all created things, including ζῶον.
* **πνεῦμα (pneuma, `{{G4151}}`):** "Spirit" or "breath." While ζῶον refers to a living *body*, πνεῦμα refers to the animating life force or spirit.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ζῶον is profound, particularly in its symbolic usage in Revelation:
1. **Representation of Creation:** The four ζῶον are often interpreted as representing the highest orders of created beings, or even the entirety of creation in its diverse forms (wild animals, domesticated animals, humanity, and birds), offering perpetual worship to the Creator. Their forms (lion, ox, man, eagle) have been linked to the attributes of God, the four Gospels, or the four principal divisions of creation.
2. **Cosmic Worship:** Their constant worship ("Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!" [[Revelation 4:8]]) emphasizes that all creation, in its purest form, is designed for and participates in the adoration of God. They lead the heavenly host in praise, underscoring the universal call to glorify the Creator.
3. **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment:** The ζῶον are not merely static figures; they are active participants in God's cosmic plan, initiating the opening of the seals and giving the bowls of wrath. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His use of even symbolic creatures to execute His righteous judgments.
4. **Distinction from Humanity:** While humans are also ζῶον in the general sense of being living creatures, the Bible consistently distinguishes humanity as uniquely created in God's image ([[Genesis 1:26-27]]), possessing moral agency and a unique relationship with the Creator. The ζῶον of Revelation represent a different order of created being, specifically tasked with heavenly service and worship.
5. **Contrast with Evil:** The deliberate choice of ζῶον for the heavenly creatures and θήριον for the demonic powers in Revelation provides a stark theological contrast between God's holy, life-affirming order and the chaotic, destructive forces of evil. The former are instruments of divine will; the latter, agents of rebellion.
### Summary
The Greek word ζῶον (zōon, `{{G2226}}`) fundamentally means "a living thing" or "living creature," deriving from the verb "to live." While it can refer to animals in a general sense, its most prominent and theologically rich usage in the New Testament is found in the Book of Revelation, where it designates the four exalted "living creatures" surrounding God's throne. These ζῶον are distinct from θήριον (thērion, `{{G2342}}`), which refers to wild or monstrous beasts. The ζῶον in Revelation serve as central figures in heavenly worship, perpetually glorifying God and the Lamb, and participating in the unfolding of divine judgment. Their presence underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all life, the inherent value and purpose of creation to worship its Maker, and the profound contrast between divine order and rebellious evil. This term thus bridges the concept of mere biological existence with the sublime imagery of heavenly beings, all testifying to the Creator's power and worthiness of praise.
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