Lexical Summary klibanos: Oven Original Word: κλίβανος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oven. Of uncertain derivation; an earthen pot used for baking in -- oven. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition an oven NASB Translation furnace (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2823: κλίβανοςκλίβανος, κλιβανου, ὁ (for κρίβανος, more common in earlier (yet κλίβανος in Herodotus 2, 92 (cf. Athen. 3, p. 110 c.)) and Attic Greek; see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 179; Passow, under the word κρίβανος; (Winer's Grammar, 22)); 1. a clibanus, an earthen vessel for baking bread (Hebrew תַּנּוּר, Exodus 8:3 ( 2. equivalent to ἰπνός, a furnace, an oven: so Matthew 6:30; Luke 12:28. In first-century Palestine a household oven was commonly fashioned from clay or stone in the shape of an upright cylinder. Dried grasses, wildflowers, and thorny scrub were gathered and burned inside to bring the baking chamber quickly to temperature. Because fuel was scarce, anything that grew overnight and could be uprooted the next morning made practical kindling. The term translated “oven” or “furnace” (κλίβανος) therefore evokes an ordinary domestic scene known to every listener of Jesus’ Galilean ministry. Occurrences in Scripture Matthew 6:30 and Luke 12:28 record the only two New Testament appearances of the word. Both texts sit at the heart of Jesus’ discourse on trusting the Father for daily provision. In each instance the Lord contrasts the fleeting beauty of wild grasses with the permanence of God’s care for His children: “If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” (Matthew 6:30) The parallel wording in Luke reinforces the same lesson for a different audience. Metaphorical Force in Jesus’ Teaching 1. Transience of earthly glory The grasses bloom, dazzle briefly, and are cast into the oven. Their destiny highlights how quickly created splendor can vanish (Psalm 103:15–16; Isaiah 40:6–8). 2. Sufficiency of divine care If God invests creative attention in something destined for combustion, His commitment to those made in His image is beyond question (Romans 8:32). 3. Exposure of unbelief The phrase “O you of little faith” indicts anxiety as a failure to reckon with God’s proven generosity (Philippians 4:6–7). Historical and Cultural Context • Fuel economy: Wood was precious; dried vegetation was the cheapest combustible material. Theological Implications Providence and anthropology intersect in the oven illustration. God’s sovereignty over grass affirms His governance of all creation (Colossians 1:17). Human worth is magnified by comparison: if disposable vegetation receives adornment, redeemed people can rest in the Father’s personalized provision (1 Peter 5:7). The image supports a high doctrine of creation and a pastoral theology of trust. Practical Ministry Applications • Counseling Anxiety: Point believers to the daily realities Jesus chose—birds (Matthew 6:26) and ovens (Matthew 6:30)—as case studies in God’s faithful oversight. Related Biblical Imagery While κλίβανος appears only twice, Scripture frequently employs furnaces: • Purification (Proverbs 17:3; Malachi 3:2–3) Together these passages frame fire both as a destructive agent and a refining instrument, themes consonant with Jesus’ warning against misplaced trust. Conclusion Strong’s Greek 2823 serves as more than a technical term for a clay oven; it anchors Jesus’ summons to fearless faith. The ordinary household furnace, fed by yesterday’s fading flora, becomes a living parable: the One who clothes the field is unwavering in His care for His children. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 6:30 N-AMSGRK: αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον ὁ NAS: is thrown into the furnace, [will He] not much KJV: into the oven, [shall he] not INT: tomorrow into an oven is thrown Luke 12:28 N-AMS |
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