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