### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **peteinón**, represented by `{{G4071}}`, refers to a **flying animal, i.e. bird**. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. While it literally describes birds and fowl, the term is most often used in parables and illustrations to convey spiritual truths about God's provision, the Kingdom of Heaven, and the nature of humanity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G4071}}` is central to several of Jesus' teachings. In the parable of the sower, the **fowls** of the air are described as devouring seed that falls by the wayside [[Luke 8:5]]. Conversely, in the parable of the mustard seed, the fully grown tree provides a place for the **fowls** to lodge in its branches, symbolizing the expansive refuge of the kingdom [[Luke 13:19]]. Jesus also uses **birds** to illustrate God's providential care, noting that the heavenly Father feeds them even though they do not sow or reap [[Matthew 6:26]]. He contrasts this provision with His own ministry, stating that foxes have holes and **birds** have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head [[Matthew 8:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help contextualize the meaning of `{{G4071}}`:
* `{{G258}}` **alṓpēx** (a fox): This word for a **fox** appears alongside **peteinón** in a saying that contrasts the homes of wild animals with the homelessness of the Son of Man [[Matthew 8:20]].
* `{{G2062}}` **herpetón** (creeping thing): This term is frequently listed with **peteinón** when categorizing animals. It appears in the context of creatures wrongly worshipped instead of God [[Romans 1:23]] and in Peter's vision of animals on the great sheet [[Acts 10:12]].
* `{{G2682}}` **kataskḗnōsis** (nest): This word, meaning a perch or dwelling, is explicitly what the **birds** of the air possess, highlighting a security in the created order that Jesus did not claim for Himself during His earthly life [[Luke 9:58]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4071}}` is demonstrated in several key themes:
* **Divine Provision and Value:** Jesus uses **birds** to illustrate God's constant care for creation. By pointing out that God feeds the **fowls**, He makes a case for the far greater value and care God has for humanity ([[Matthew 6:26]], [[Luke 12:24]]).
* **The Kingdom as Refuge:** In the mustard seed parables, the **birds** lodging in the great tree's branches illustrate the growth and all-encompassing nature of the Kingdom of Heaven, which provides shelter and rest [[Matthew 13:32]].
* **Creation vs. Creator:** The term is used to highlight the error of idolatry, where humanity exchanged the glory of God for images of created things like **birds**, fourfooted beasts, and creeping things [[Romans 1:23]].
* **The Natural and Spiritual Orders:** **Birds** are shown as part of the natural order that can be tamed by mankind [[James 3:7]], but they are also used to represent spiritual opposition when they devour the seed of the word in the parable of the sower [[Mark 4:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4071}}` is far more than a simple biological classifier. It functions as a powerful, multifaceted symbol in the New Testament. Whether representing God's tender care for the vulnerable, the expansive welcome of His kingdom, or the spiritual forces that oppose His word, **peteinón** serves as a vital illustrative tool that connects everyday observations of the natural world to profound spiritual realities.
TRV