Lexical Summary aetos: Eagle Original Word: ἀετός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance eagle. From the same as aer; an eagle (from its wind-like flight) -- eagle. see GREEK aer NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition an eagle NASB Translation eagle (3), vultures (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 105: ἀετόςἀετός, (οῦ, ὁ (like Latinavis, from ἄημι on account of its wind-like flight (cf. Curtius, § 596)) (from Homer down), in the Sept. for נֶשֶׁר, an eagle: Revelation 4:7; Revelation 8:13 (Rec. ἀγγέλου); Revelation 12:14. In Matthew 24:28; Luke 17:37 (as in Job 39:30; Proverbs 30:17) it is better, since eagles are said seldom or never to go in quest of carrion, to understand with many interpreters either thevultur percnopterus, which resembles an eagle (Pliny, h. n. 10, 3 "quarti generis — viz.aquilarum — est percnopterus), or thevultur barbatus. Cf. Winers RWB under the word Adler; (Tristram, Nat. Hist. of the Bible, p. 172ff). The meaning of the proverb (cf. examples in Wetstein (1752) on Matthew, the passage cited) quoted in both passages is, 'where there are sinners (cf. πτῶμα), there judgments from heaven will not be wanting'. Topical Lexicon Symbolism of the Eagle in Scripture Throughout the canon the eagle stands for swiftness, sharp vision, exalted vantage, and both mercy and judgment. Old Testament passages such as Exodus 19:4, Deuteronomy 32:11 and Isaiah 40:31 frame the bird as an emblem of God’s protective strength and renewing power, preparing the reader to recognize its theological weight when the term resurfaces in the Greek New Testament. New Testament Appearances of ἀετός (aetos) 1. Revelation 4:7 – One of the four living creatures around the throne possesses “a face like a flying eagle,” underscoring heavenly vigilance and unceasing worship. The scene links priestly adoration with sovereign oversight of the earth. Prophetic and Eschatological Threads The Synoptic uses introduce ἀετός in the context of the Olivet Discourse, framing end-time devastation and unmistakable gathering to judgment. Revelation develops the motif: the throne room eagle testifies to divine oversight; the mid-heaven eagle pronounces woes on the impenitent; and the protective wings grant deliverance to the covenant community. The same creature that signals judgment also supplies salvation, highlighting the consistent biblical pattern that God’s holiness both punishes evil and preserves His people. Historical Background In the ancient world the eagle symbolized imperial power (Rome’s standards) and divine messenger service (mythic associations with Zeus). John’s usage co-opts familiar imagery, asserting that supreme authority belongs not to earthly empire or pagan deity but to the Lord of Hosts. Jewish readers would recall the wilderness care of YHWH portrayed as an eagle carrying Israel on His wings, thereby validating the protection extended to the woman in Revelation 12. Ministry and Discipleship Implications • Vigilance – The throne-room eagle reminds believers that nothing escapes God’s gaze; worship and obedience are rendered before an omniscient King. Synthesis Across its five New Testament occurrences ἀετός presents a unified testimony: the sovereign God sees all, judges righteously, protects covenant people, and calls the world to repentance. The eagle’s loft, speed and strength combine into a single emblem that exalts the Lord’s majesty and invites His church to soar in faithfulness until Christ returns. Forms and Transliterations αετοι αετοί ἀετοί ἀετοὶ αετόν αετός αετου αετού ἀετοῦ αετούς αετω αετώ ἀετῷ αετών aeto aetō aetoi aetoí aetoì aetôi aetō̂i aetou aetoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 24:28 N-NMPGRK: συναχθήσονται οἱ ἀετοί NAS: is, there the vultures will gather. KJV: will the eagles be gathered together. INT: will be gathered the vultures Luke 17:37 N-NMP Revelation 4:7 N-DMS Revelation 8:13 N-GMS Revelation 12:14 N-GMS Strong's Greek 105 |
    |