Strong's Lexicon ostrakinos: Earthen, made of clay Original Word: ὀστράκινος Word Origin: Derived from ὄστρακον (ostrakon), meaning "a piece of pottery" or "earthenware." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "ostrakinos," the concept of earthen vessels can be related to Hebrew words like חֶרֶשׂ (cheres), meaning "clay" or "pottery," as seen in passages like Isaiah 45:9. Usage: The term "ostrakinos" is used to describe something made of clay or earthenware. In the biblical context, it often symbolizes fragility, humility, and the temporary nature of human life and vessels. It is used metaphorically to contrast the weakness of human vessels with the surpassing power and glory of God. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient times, earthenware was a common material used for making everyday items such as pots, jars, and lamps. These items were essential for daily life but were also easily broken, highlighting their fragility. The use of clay vessels in biblical times serves as a powerful metaphor for human frailty and the divine treasure contained within believers. 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 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. 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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