### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term κτῆνος (ktēnos), Strong's `{{G2934}}`, derives from the verb κτάομαι (ktaomai), `{{G2932}}`, meaning "to acquire" or "to possess." This etymological root is crucial, as ktēnos fundamentally refers to "property," specifically that which is acquired and owned. In its specialized and most common New Testament usage, ktēnos designates a "domestic animal" or "beast of burden," such as cattle, sheep, donkeys, or horses. Unlike θηρίον (thērion), `{{G2342}}`, which typically denotes a wild or dangerous animal, ktēnos almost exclusively refers to animals under human dominion, used for labor, transport, food, or as a form of wealth. Its semantic range thus centers on the utility and ownership of livestock within human society.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ktēnos appears in the New Testament primarily in contexts that underscore its practical role or as part of a general enumeration of creation.
In [[Luke 10:34]], the Good Samaritan places the injured man on his own ktēnos, clearly referring to a beast of burden used for transport. Similarly, [[Acts 23:24]] and [[Acts 23:34]] mention ktēnos as animals provided for Paul's journey, again highlighting their function in travel.
In [[Acts 10:12]] and [[Acts 11:6]], ktēnos is used in Peter's vision of the sheet descending from heaven, containing "all kinds of four-footed animals and creeping things of the earth and birds of the air." Here, ktēnos encompasses a broader category of terrestrial animals, presented to challenge Peter's understanding of clean and unclean foods, thereby setting the stage for the inclusion of Gentiles.
The book of Revelation also employs ktēnos in several instances. In [[Revelation 18:13]], ktēnos is listed among the merchandise of Babylon, signifying livestock as a commodity in economic trade. In [[Revelation 18:13]] and [[Revelation 22:15]], the term can carry a more general sense of "beast" or "animal," often in contexts that distinguish humans from the animal kingdom or categorize living creatures. These occurrences consistently maintain the nuance of animals that are part of human experience, whether as possessions, means of transport, or components of the natural world subject to divine decree.
### Related Words & Concepts
As noted, the most direct lexical relation is to κτάομαι (ktaomai), `{{G2932}}`, the verb "to acquire" or "to possess," from which ktēnos directly derives. This connection reinforces the idea of ktēnos as a possessed entity, a form of property.
Other Greek words for "animal" provide important contrasts:
* ζῷον (zōon), `{{G2226}}`: This is a broader term meaning "living creature," often used for humans, animals, and even the "four living creatures" around God's throne in Revelation. While ktēnos is a specific type of animal (domesticated), zōon is a general category of life.
* θηρίον (thērion), `{{G2342}}`: This word typically refers to a "wild beast," often with connotations of ferocity, danger, or monstrousness, particularly in apocalyptic literature where it symbolizes oppressive powers (e.g., the "beast" from the sea in Revelation). In contrast, ktēnos lacks this negative or wild connotation, focusing instead on tamed or useful animals.
The concept of ktēnos is also intrinsically linked to the ancient economy, where livestock represented significant wealth, status, and sustenance, echoing Old Testament themes of flocks and herds as blessings from God (e.g., `{{H4735}}` *miqneh*, "livestock, property").
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ktēnos is often understated but pervasive. Firstly, its presence in the biblical narrative affirms God's creation and sovereignty over all living things. Animals, including ktēnos, are part of the good creation ([[Genesis 1:24-25]]) and are subject to human stewardship, a responsibility given by God.
Secondly, the use of ktēnos in practical contexts, such as transport or trade, subtly highlights God's provision for humanity's needs. The very existence and utility of these animals are a testament to divine design and sustenance.
Thirdly, in Peter's vision ([[Acts 10:12]]), the inclusion of ktēnos among the "unclean" animals that God declares clean is profoundly significant. It symbolizes the breaking down of ritualistic barriers and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, extending grace to all people, just as all creatures are declared fit for consumption by God's decree. This vision challenges human-made distinctions and underscores God's sovereignty over all creation and His redemptive intent for both Jew and Gentile.
Finally, in apocalyptic passages like Revelation, the presence of ktēnos among the items of trade or as part of the created order serves to emphasize the totality of God's judgment or the comprehensiveness of His dominion over all aspects of existence, from the highest spiritual beings to the humblest beast of burden.
### Summary
κτῆνος (ktēnos), `{{G2934}}`, primarily denotes a "domestic animal" or "beast of burden," derived from the concept of "property" or "that which is acquired." Its New Testament occurrences consistently refer to animals used for practical purposes such as transport or trade, or as part of a general enumeration of the animal kingdom. Lexically distinct from wild beasts (θηρίον, `{{G2342}}`) or general living creatures (ζῷον, `{{G2226}}`), ktēnos underscores the tamed and useful aspects of animal life. Theologically, the term implicitly speaks to God's creative power, His provision for humanity, and the universal scope of His redemptive plan as seen in Peter's vision. It reminds us that all creation, from the most magnificent to the most mundane ktēnos, exists under the sovereign hand of God.
TRV