### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kámēlos**, represented by `{{G2574}}`, is the term for a **"camel"**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. While its base definition is straightforward, its scriptural usage is divided between a literal description of material and powerful, figurative illustrations in Jesus' teachings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G2574}}` is used in two primary contexts. First, it describes the attire of John the Baptist, whose raiment was made of **"camel's** hair" ([[Matthew 3:4]], [[Mark 1:6]]). This establishes a literal use of the animal as a source for materials. Second, it is used metaphorically by Jesus to illustrate concepts of great difficulty or absurdity. He teaches that it is easier for a **camel** to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter God's kingdom ([[Matthew 19:24]], [[Mark 10:25]], [[Luke 18:25]]). He also uses it to condemn hypocrisy, chiding those who "swallow a **camel**" while straining at a gnat [[Matthew 23:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of **kámēlos**:
* `{{G4145}}` **ploúsios** (wealthy; figuratively, abounding with): This term is central to one of the most famous uses of 'camel', defining the **rich man** for whom entering the kingdom of God is presented as an impossibility [[Mark 10:25]].
* `{{G2359}}` **thríx** (hair): This word is used in direct connection with `{{G2574}}` to describe the material of John the Baptist's clothing, "camel's **hair**" [[Matthew 3:4]].
* `{{G2223}}` **zṓnē** (a belt; by implication, a pocket): This describes the **girdle** worn by John the Baptist along with his camel's hair raiment, completing the image of his ascetic dress [[Mark 1:6]].
* `{{G200}}` **akrís** (a locust): This term appears alongside 'camel's hair' to describe the wilderness diet of John the Baptist, whose food was **locusts** and wild honey [[Matthew 3:4]].
### Theological Significance
The figurative weight of `{{G2574}}` is significant, used by Jesus to teach profound lessons.
* **Austerity and Separation:** The use of **"camel's** hair" for John's clothing signifies his role as a prophet living a life of austerity, set apart from the world's comforts [[Matthew 3:4]].
* **The Impossibility of Self-Salvation:** The image of a **camel** and a needle's eye is a hyperbole used to show that for a **rich man** `{{G4145}}` who trusts in his wealth, entering the kingdom is a human impossibility, requiring divine intervention [[Luke 18:25]].
* **Critique of Hypocrisy:** By contrasting a gnat with a **camel**, Jesus creates a powerful metaphor for skewed spiritual priorities, where massive moral failings are ignored in favor of focusing on minor legalistic details [[Matthew 23:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2574}}` moves beyond its simple definition of an animal to become a potent symbol in the New Testament. It is used to paint a picture of prophetic life, to illustrate the immense difficulty of overcoming worldly attachments, and to expose the absurdity of religious hypocrisy. Through these few occurrences, **kámēlos** serves as a memorable tool for communicating critical spiritual truths.
TRV