### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun órneon (`{{G3732}}`) is defined as "a birdling," or more broadly, "a bird" or "fowl." It is described as the neuter form of a presumed derivative of órnis (`{{G3733}}`), which also denotes a bird. While its etymological root suggests a diminutive ("birdling"), in biblical usage, órneon functions as a general term for any avian creature, without necessarily emphasizing smallness. Its semantic range is therefore quite straightforward, encompassing the entire category of birds, whether wild or domesticated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term órneon appears exclusively in the book of Revelation within the New Testament, specifically in three passages:
* **[[Revelation 18:2]]**: "And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, 'Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird.'" Here, órneon is used metaphorically to describe the spiritual decay and demonic habitation of Babylon. The reference to "unclean and hateful bird" evokes Old Testament concepts of ritual impurity (e.g., [[Leviticus 11]]) and birds associated with desolation and evil, indicating the utter spiritual corruption of the city.
* **[[Revelation 19:17]]**: "Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in midheaven, 'Come, assemble for the great supper of God...'" In this passage, órneon refers to literal birds of prey, invited by an angel to partake in the gruesome "supper of God," which is the judgment upon those who oppose Christ. This imagery is drawn from Old Testament prophetic pronouncements of judgment (e.g., [[Ezekiel 39:17-20]]).
* **[[Revelation 19:21]]**: "And the rest were killed with the sword which came from the mouth of Him who sat on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh." Following the climactic battle against the beast and his armies, the órneon are depicted literally consuming the corpses of the slain, fulfilling the grim prophecy of the "supper of God." This underscores the finality and severity of divine judgment.
The consistent usage of órneon in Revelation, particularly in apocalyptic contexts of judgment and desolation, highlights its role in portraying the consequences of rebellion against God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related Greek word is órnis (`{{G3733}}`), from which órneon is presumed to be derived. Both terms refer to "bird" or "fowl." In the Old Testament, the primary Hebrew term for "bird" or "fowl" is עוֹף (ʿôph, `{{H5775}}`), which encompasses all flying creatures. The concept of "unclean" birds is deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [[Leviticus 11:13-19]], [[Deuteronomy 14:12-18]]), which provides the theological backdrop for the imagery in [[Revelation 18:2]]. Furthermore, the prophetic motif of birds scavenging on the bodies of the slain after a great battle of judgment is found in passages like [[1 Samuel 17:44]], [[Jeremiah 7:33]], and most notably [[Ezekiel 39:17-20]], which directly parallels the "supper of God" scene in Revelation. Thus, órneon participates in a rich biblical tradition of avian imagery related to both ritual purity and divine judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of órneon in the New Testament is almost entirely concentrated within the eschatological framework of Revelation. It serves primarily as a symbolic and literal agent within God's final judgments.
In [[Revelation 18:2]], the "unclean and hateful bird" represents the pervasive spiritual defilement and demonic influence that characterize Babylon, the epitome of worldly rebellion against God. This imagery underscores the complete spiritual bankruptcy and moral degradation of a system that rejects divine authority, making it a fit dwelling for evil.
In [[Revelation 19:17]] and [[Revelation 19:21]], the órneon are depicted as instruments of divine wrath. Their invitation to the "great supper of God" and subsequent gorging on the flesh of the slain vividly portray the horrific consequences of defying the Almighty. This stands in stark contrast to the "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([[Revelation 19:9]]), highlighting the two distinct destinies for humanity: fellowship with God or consumption by His judgment. The use of these creatures, seemingly insignificant, to participate in such a monumental act of judgment, emphasizes the absolute sovereignty of God over all creation and His ability to use any means to fulfill His righteous purposes. The imagery is designed to convey the absolute finality and terror of God's wrath against unrepentant sin.
### Summary
The Greek word órneon (`{{G3732}}`) denotes a "bird" or "fowl." While its root suggests a "birdling," its usage in the New Testament, confined exclusively to the book of Revelation, employs it as a general term for avian creatures within profound theological contexts. In [[Revelation 18:2]], it symbolizes the spiritual uncleanness and demonic habitation of fallen Babylon. More prominently, in [[Revelation 19:17]] and [[Revelation 19:21]], órneon refers to birds of prey summoned by God to consume the bodies of His enemies, serving as a visceral depiction of divine judgment and the terrifying consequences of rebellion. Thus, órneon functions as a stark reminder of God's righteous wrath, His sovereign control over all creation, and the ultimate, inescapable nature of His eschatological judgments.
TRV