### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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