### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term νοσσίον (nossíon, `{{G3556}}`) is a diminutive form of the noun νεοσσός (neossós), meaning "a young bird" or "nestling." As a diminutive, νοσσίον specifically emphasizes the smallness, youth, and inherent vulnerability of the bird. While often translated as "chicken" or "chick" in English Bibles, the Greek term is broader, encompassing any young bird. The core meaning thus conveys a creature utterly dependent on parental care for protection, sustenance, and survival. It evokes images of fragility and the need for shelter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word νοσσίον (nossíon, `{{G3556}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the poignant lament of Jesus over Jerusalem:
* [[Matthew 23:37]]: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing!"
In this singular occurrence, νοσσίον is central to a powerful and tender metaphor. Jesus likens His fervent desire to protect the people of Jerusalem to a hen (ὄρνις, `{{G3733}}`) gathering her "chicks" (νοσσίον) under her wings (πτέρυξ, `{{G4420}}`). The imagery conveys a profound sense of maternal, protective love and an earnest longing for the safety and well-being of those who are vulnerable. The tragedy of the verse lies in the stark contrast between Jesus' protective yearning and Jerusalem's deliberate "unwillingness," highlighting a tragic rejection of divine grace and care. The context is one of a prophet's lament, expressing deep sorrow over the spiritual blindness and self-destructive path chosen by the very people God sought to cherish.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root noun νεοσσός (neossós), from which νοσσίον is derived, both referring to young birds. Other significant terms in the immediate context of [[Matthew 23:37]] include:
* ὄρνις (órnis, `{{G3733}}`): "hen," the protective parent figure in the metaphor.
* πτέρυξ (ptérux, `{{G4420}}`): "wing," the instrument of protection and refuge.
* συνάγω (synágō, `{{G4863}}`): "to gather," describing the hen's action and Jesus' compassionate intention.
Beyond lexical connections, the metaphor of a bird sheltering its young under its wings resonates deeply with Old Testament imagery of divine protection. God's care for His people is frequently described using similar avian metaphors, emphasizing refuge and security under His mighty wings. Examples include:
* [[Psalm 17:8]]: "Hide me in the shadow of your wings."
* [[Psalm 36:7]]: "In the shadow of your wings the children of man take refuge."
* [[Psalm 57:1]]: "In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge."
* [[Psalm 91:4]]: "He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge."
This consistent biblical motif underscores God's tender, watchful, and powerful protection over His vulnerable creation, particularly His covenant people.
### Theological Significance
The single occurrence of νοσσίον (nossíon, `{{G3556}}`) in [[Matthew 23:37]] carries immense theological weight. It serves as a profound illustration of several key theological truths:
1. **Divine Compassion and Parental Love:** Jesus' lament reveals the depth of God's compassionate love for humanity. The image of a hen gathering her chicks is one of intimate, self-sacrificial, and fiercely protective parental affection. It portrays God not as a distant ruler, but as a tender parent yearning to shelter and nurture His children. This highlights the personal and relational nature of God's love.
2. **Human Vulnerability and Dependence:** The νοσσίον represents the inherent vulnerability and complete dependence of humanity before God. Just as a chick cannot survive without its mother's care, so too are human beings spiritually dependent on God's grace, protection, and guidance.
3. **The Tragedy of Rejected Grace:** The poignancy of the verse is heightened by Jerusalem's "unwillingness." This underscores the sobering reality of human free will and the capacity to reject even the most tender and earnest divine offer of salvation and protection. It speaks to the sorrow God experiences when His love is spurned.
4. **Christ's Identification with Yahweh:** By employing this specific imagery, Jesus implicitly aligns Himself with the protective, covenant-keeping God of Israel, who historically offered refuge under His "wings" (as seen in the Psalms). This reinforces Jesus' divine identity and His role as the embodiment of God's redemptive love for His people.
### Summary
The Greek word νοσσίον (nossíon, `{{G3556}}`) precisely captures the essence of a "birdling" or "chick," emphasizing its inherent youth, smallness, and profound vulnerability. Its singular yet powerful appearance in [[Matthew 23:37]] is pivotal. In this verse, Jesus employs the metaphor of a hen gathering her νοσσίον under her wings to express His deep, maternal, and protective longing to gather the people of Jerusalem. This imagery vividly illustrates God's compassionate and tender love, His desire to provide refuge and care for His dependent creation. The tragic counterpoint is Jerusalem's "unwillingness," which underscores the human capacity to reject divine grace, even when offered with such profound tenderness. Thus, νοσσίον stands as a poignant symbol of humanity's need for divine protection and the sorrow of unreceived love.
TRV