Lexical Summary ostrakinos: Earthen, made of clay Original Word: ὀστράκινος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of earth, earthen. From ostrakon ("oyster") (a tile, i.e. Terra cotta); earthen-ware, i.e. Clayey; by implication, frail -- of earth, earthen. HELPS Word-studies 3749 ostrákinos (the root of the English term, "ostraca," i.e. baked-clay shaped into pottery, etc.) – properly, made of clay (earth). 3749 /ostrákinos ("earthen, made of clay") is used metaphorically in 2 Cor 4:7 of the frail human body of believers – which serves as the temple of the Holy Spirit. [3749 (ostrákinos) refers to anything made of baked clay, e.g. earthenware (clay vessels). Earthen (clay) jars were used for storage and as "writing pads" (for messages, contracts, wills, etc.).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ostrakon (an earthen vessel) Definition earthen NASB Translation earthen (1), earthenware (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3749: ὀστράκινοςὀστράκινος, ὀστρακινη, ὀστράκινον (ὄστρακον baked clay), made of clay, earthen: σκεύη ὀστράκινα, 2 Timothy 2:20; with the added suggestion of frailty, 2 Corinthians 4:7. (Jeremiah 19:1, 11; Jeremiah 39:14 Topical Lexicon Historical and Cultural Background In the first-century Greco-Roman world, household pottery was plentiful, inexpensive, and expendable. Clay jars stored grain, oil, wine, and documents; once chipped or cracked they were discarded without regret. Their very commonness supplied Paul and Timothy with a vivid metaphor: ordinary containers that conceal something of far greater value than the vessel itself. Biblical Usage 2 Corinthians 4:7 employs the image to highlight the contrast between the priceless “treasure” of the gospel and the fragile humanity of its messengers: “Now we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this surpassingly great power is from God and not from us.” 2 Timothy 2:20 broadens the picture from simple jars to the full range of vessels within a large household, “some for honorable use and some for common use.” Earthen cases represent believers whose lives remain unsanctified; silver and gold vessels portray those set apart and ready for every good work. Old Testament Foundations The prophets often liken God’s people to clay in the potter’s hand (Jeremiah 18:1-6; Isaiah 45:9; Isaiah 64:8). Gideon’s earthen pitchers, smashed to reveal torchlight (Judges 7:16-20), anticipate the New Testament motif of weak vessels displaying divine power. Such passages establish continuity: human frailty is God’s chosen stage for His glory. Theological Significance 1. Human Dependency. Clay underscores mortality and dependence upon the Creator (Genesis 2:7). Practical Ministry Applications • Encouragement in Weakness: Missionaries, pastors, and lay saints face personal limitations; the metaphor invites them to rely on the Spirit, not charisma. Christological Reflections Jesus Himself took on “the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7), the ultimate earthen vessel. His incarnate weakness, culminating at the cross, became the means by which God’s surpassing power achieved salvation, setting the pattern for His followers. Related Metaphors • “Treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:19-21) vs. “treasures in jars of clay” shows location and security of true wealth. Summary The two New Testament occurrences of this word call believers to embrace their created frailty, pursue personal holiness, and trust God to manifest His extraordinary power through ordinary lives. Forms and Transliterations οστρακινα οστράκινα ὀστράκινα οστρακινοις οστρακίνοις ὀστρακίνοις οστράκινον οστρακίνου οστρακίνους οστρακίνω όστρακον οστράκου οστράκω ostrakina ostrákina ostrakinois ostrakínoisLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 4:7 Adj-DNPGRK: τοῦτον ἐν ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν ἵνα NAS: this treasure in earthen vessels, so KJV: treasure in earthen vessels, that INT: this in earthen vessels that 2 Timothy 2:20 Adj-NNP Strong's Greek 3749 |
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