### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word νεοσσός (neossós) `{{G3502}}` is derived from νέος (néos) `{{G3501}}`, meaning "new" or "young." Its primary and most direct meaning is "a youngling," specifically referring to the offspring of birds, a "nestling" or "chick." The term emphasizes the nascent stage of life, conveying ideas of immaturity, vulnerability, and dependence. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focused almost exclusively on the literal young of avian species.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word νεοσσός `{{G3502}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* [[Luke 2:24]]: "and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, 'A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons' (δύο νεοσσοὺς περιστερῶν)."
In this passage, νεοσσοὺς (neossous) is the plural accusative form, referring to "young pigeons." This verse describes Mary and Joseph's fulfillment of the purification ritual prescribed in the Mosaic Law for a woman after childbirth ([[Leviticus 12:8]]). The Law stipulated that if a family could not afford a lamb for the burnt offering, they could offer "two turtledoves or two young pigeons." The use of νεοσσός here specifically denotes the youth and thus the smaller value of the birds, underscoring the humble economic status of Mary and Joseph. Their offering signifies their faithful obedience to God's Law despite their poverty, setting a precedent for the life of Jesus, who would identify with the marginalized and fulfill all righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **νέος (néos) `{{G3501}}`**: The root word from which νεοσσός is derived, meaning "new," "young," or "fresh." This connection reinforces the core concept of newness of life.
* **περιστερά (peristera) `{{G4058}}`**: This word means "dove" or "pigeon" and is used in [[Luke 2:24]] in conjunction with νεοσσός to specify the type of young bird offered. Doves and pigeons were common sacrificial animals in Israel, often associated with offerings for the poor.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The concept of young birds for sacrifice is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, particularly in the Levitical laws. The Septuagint (LXX) often translates Hebrew terms for "young bird" (e.g., גּוֹזָל (gozal) `{{H1469}}` or descriptions like "son of a dove") with variations of νεοσσός or similar terms, establishing a clear continuity between the Old and New Covenants regarding sacrificial practices.
* **Vulnerability and Dependence**: While νεοσσός itself does not directly carry theological weight beyond its literal meaning, the concept of a "nestling" inherently evokes vulnerability and dependence on parental care. This motif is present throughout Scripture, often used metaphorically for God's protective care over His people (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 32:11]] using the eagle's care for its young, or [[Matthew 23:37]] / [[Luke 13:34]] with a hen gathering her chicks).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of νεοσσός `{{G3502}}` is primarily found in its singular, yet profound, occurrence in [[Luke 2:24]]. It contributes to several key theological themes:
1. **Humility of Christ's Incarnation**: The offering of "two young pigeons" underscores the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth and early life. It reveals that the Son of God, though divine, entered humanity not into wealth or power, but into a family of modest means, identifying with the poor and marginalized from His very beginning.
2. **Fulfillment of the Law**: Mary and Joseph's adherence to the sacrificial requirements of [[Leviticus 12:8]] demonstrates their devoutness and commitment to God's covenant. This act of obedience sets a precedent for Jesus' own life, which would be characterized by perfect obedience to the Father's will and the fulfillment of all righteousness.
3. **Foreshadowing of Sacrifice**: While the pigeons were offered for Mary's purification, their very nature as "younglings" offered for atonement subtly points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Himself. Just as these innocent young birds were offered according to the Law, so too would the innocent Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, be offered as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world.
### Summary
The Greek word νεοσσός (neossós) `{{G3502}}` denotes a "youngling" or "nestling," specifically a young bird. Derived from νέος (néos) `{{G3501}}` meaning "new" or "young," it emphasizes immaturity and dependence. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Luke 2:24]] is highly significant. Here, it refers to the "two young pigeons" (νεοσσοὺς περιστερῶν) offered by Mary and Joseph for Mary's purification, as prescribed by the Law for those of humble means ([[Leviticus 12:8]]). Theologically, this usage highlights the humble circumstances of Jesus' birth, His identification with the poor, and the devout obedience of His earthly parents. It subtly foreshadows Jesus' own life of perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan unfolded through humble means, fulfilling the Law and embracing humanity in its vulnerability.
TRV