The Greek word órnis, represented by G3733, is used specifically to mean a hen. It appears just 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible. Despite its rare usage, it serves as a powerful and tender metaphor for protective love and a desire to gather the vulnerable.
In both of its biblical occurrences, G3733 is used by Jesus in a lament over Jerusalem. He compares his own longing to gather the city's children G5043 to the way a hen gathers her young. In Matthew's account, he says, "as a hen gathereth her chickens G3556 under her wings" Matthew 23:37. The parallel verse in Luke uses a similar phrase, "as a hen doth gather her brood G3555 under her wings" Luke 13:34. This imagery is presented in stark contrast to Jerusalem's violent rejection of the prophets G4396 and those sent to it.
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of the hen's actions:
- G1996 episynágō (to collect upon the same place:--gather (together)): This verb describes the central action of the hen, emphasizing the desire to bring together and protect Matthew 23:37.
- G4420 ptéryx (a wing:--wing): This word specifies the place of safety and shelter that the hen offers to her young, "under her wings" Luke 13:34.
- G3556 nossíon (a birdling:--chicken): Used in Matthew, this is the term for the young that the hen seeks to protect Matthew 23:37.
- G3555 nossiá (a brood (of chickens):--brood): This is the parallel term used in Luke's account for the hen's offspring Luke 13:34.
- G5043 téknon (a child (as produced):--child, daughter, son): This word reveals the metaphorical subject of the gathering, as Jesus laments over Jerusalem's children Matthew 23:37.
The theological weight of G3733 is expressed through its metaphorical use.
- Divine Protection and Love: The image of a hen gathering her young is a profound illustration of Christ's tender and protective love. His desire to gather Jerusalem's children G5043 under his wings G4420 conveys a deep sense of care and a longing to provide shelter.
- The Tragedy of Rejection: This offer of divine protection is tragically rejected. The lament is framed by Jerusalem's history of killing G615 the prophets G4396 and stoning G3036 those sent G649 from God, culminating in the sorrowful statement, "and ye would not" Matthew 23:37.
- Maternal Imagery of Christ: The use of a hen, a female domestic fowl, is a striking example of maternal imagery applied to Jesus. It highlights a nurturing, instinctual, and fierce love that is willing to shelter its own.
In summary, órnis G3733 is more than just a word for a hen. It is a cornerstone of one of the most poignant laments in scripture, illustrating the depth of divine love and the sorrow of rejected grace. Through the simple, everyday image of a hen protecting her brood, the term conveys a powerful theological message about Christ's desire to gather and shelter His people, a desire tragically contrasted with humanity's unwillingness to be gathered.
TRV