neuter of a presumed derivative of ὄνος; a little ass:--young ass.
Transliteration:onárion
Pronunciation:on-ar'-ee-on
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word onárion (`{{G3678}}`) is a diminutive noun derived from ónos (`{{G3688}}`), meaning "ass" or "donkey." The suffix "-arion" denotes a small or young version of the base noun. Therefore, onárion specifically signifies a "little ass" or a "young ass/donkey." This term refers to the offspring of a donkey, an animal widely utilized for transport and labor in the ancient Near East. The word itself is descriptive, carrying no inherent positive or negative connotation beyond its literal meaning of a juvenile animal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term onárion (`{{G3678}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of John:
* [[John 12:14]]: "And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written," (KJV).
This solitary occurrence is profoundly significant, as it details the animal Jesus rode during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The Synoptic Gospels' parallel accounts (e.g., [[Matthew 21:2]], [[Mark 11:2]], [[Luke 19:30]]) use related terms like ónos (`{{G3688}}`, "ass") and pōlos (`{{G4454}}`, "colt" or "foal"), often specifying "a colt, the foal of an ass." John's specific choice of onárion emphasizes the youth and possibly the small stature of the animal, aligning with the humble and peaceful nature of Jesus' entry. This detail directly fulfills the prophecy of [[Zechariah 9:9]], which speaks of the coming king being "humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." The use of a young, likely unbroken animal further highlights Jesus' divine authority and the miraculous ease with which He rode it.
### Related Words & Concepts
* ónos (`{{G3688}}`): The foundational Greek word for "ass" or "donkey," from which onárion is derived.
* pōlos (`{{G4454}}`): Meaning "colt" or "foal," often used in conjunction with ónos to denote a young donkey, as seen in the Synoptic accounts of the Triumphal Entry.
* hupozýgion (`{{G5266}}`): A general term for a "beast of burden," specifically used in [[Matthew 21:5]] within a quotation from Zechariah.
The donkey as a biblical motif: Throughout Scripture, donkeys are portrayed as common beasts of burden, symbolizing humility, peace, and service. This contrasts sharply with horses, which often symbolized military power and royal might. The selection of a donkey for the Messiah's entry underscored His distinct, non-worldly kingship. The concept of prophetic fulfillment is paramount here, as the specific animal directly links Jesus' actions to ancient messianic prophecies, particularly [[Zechariah 9:9]].
### Theological Significance
The singular use of onárion (`{{G3678}}`) in [[John 12:14]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Humility and Peace:** Jesus' deliberate choice to ride a young donkey, rather than a warhorse or a grand chariot, powerfully communicates His identity as a king of peace and humility. This act directly fulfills the prophecy of [[Zechariah 9:9]], presenting a Messiah whose reign is characterized by meekness rather than worldly might, contrasting with the prevailing Jewish expectation of a conquering hero.
* **Divine Authority:** The fact that Jesus could ride an unbroken, young animal without incident subtly but powerfully demonstrates His inherent authority over creation. It speaks to a divine power that calms and compels, even the untamed.
* **Messianic Fulfillment:** The precise detail of the "young ass" serves as undeniable evidence of Jesus' messianic claims. The evangelists meticulously record such details to affirm that Jesus is indeed the Christ, the one foretold by the prophets of old.
* **Foreshadowing the Suffering Servant:** The humble entry on a donkey foreshadows the path of the suffering servant, whose ultimate victory is achieved not through force but through self-sacrifice and obedience to God's will. The journey culminates not in an earthly throne, but in the cross.
### Summary
Onárion (`{{G3678}}`) is a diminutive Greek noun meaning "a little ass" or "young donkey." Its sole appearance in the New Testament, in [[John 12:14]], is a pivotal detail in the account of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. This seemingly minor descriptor carries immense theological significance, as it directly fulfills the messianic prophecy found in [[Zechariah 9:9]]. By choosing a humble, young donkey, Jesus powerfully proclaimed His identity as a King of peace and humility, deliberately rejecting the worldly display of power associated with horses and chariots. The onárion thus stands as a potent symbol of Christ's divine authority, His subversion of earthly expectations, and the humble, saving nature of His reign, serving as a profound affirmation of His messianic claims to all who understood the prophetic scriptures.
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