The Greek word nossiá, represented by G3555, refers to a brood. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its base definition is "a brood (of chickens)," used to convey a specific and tender image of young being cared for.
The single appearance of G3555 is in a lament over Jerusalem. Jesus expresses his longing to protect the city's inhabitants, drawing a powerful metaphor: "how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!" Luke 13:34. This illustrates a desire for protective gathering, set in stark contrast to Jerusalem's history of rejecting messengers by killing prophets and stoning those sent to it.
Several related words in the surrounding text illuminate the meaning of G3555:
- G3733 órnis (hen): This word identifies the protective parent in the analogy, a hen (or female domestic fowl), emphasizing a maternal and nurturing instinct Luke 13:34.
- G1996 episynágō (gather together): This action verb defines the desired outcome, to collect upon the same place, highlighting the theme of unity and safety Luke 13:34.
- G4420 ptéryx (wing): As the instrument of protection, the wing is where the brood finds shelter, completing the intimate portrait of divine care Luke 13:34.
- G5043 téknon (child): This term explicitly connects the metaphorical brood to its real-world subject: the child or children of Jerusalem Luke 13:34.
Though rare, the theological significance of G3555 is profound due to its context.
- Divine Nurturing: The image of a hen gathering her brood powerfully illustrates a tender, protective, and nurturing aspect of divine love, a desire to shield God's people from harm.
- Lament over Rejection: The metaphor's use is tinged with sorrow. It is immediately followed by "and ye would not!" Luke 13:34, framing the word within the tragedy of humanity rejecting this divine care. This rejection is characterized by violence, such as killing G615 the prophets G4396.
- A Tender View of God's People: By referring to the people of Jerusalem as a brood and as children G5043, the passage establishes an intimate and familial relationship between the divine and humanity, portraying the people as vulnerable and in need of care.
In summary, G3555 nossiá is far more than a simple zoological term. In its sole scriptural use, it provides a deeply poignant metaphor for divine love and protection. The image of a hen with her brood conveys a tender intimacy, a longing to gather and shield, and the sorrow that comes when that care is refused. It transforms a common natural scene into a memorable statement on the relationship between God and His people.
TRV