5454. phóleos

Lexicon

phóleos: Den, Lair

Original Word: φωλεός
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: phóleos
Pronunciation: fo-leh-os'
Phonetic Spelling: (fo-leh-os')
Definition: Den, Lair
Meaning: a burrow, hole, den, lair.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

hole, den

Of uncertain derivative; a burrow or lurking-place -- hole.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
a hole, den
NASB Translation
holes (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5454: φωλεός

φωλεός, φωλεου, ὁ, a lurking-hole, burrow; a lair: of animals, Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58. (Aristotle, Aelian, Plutarch, Geoponica, others.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb φώλεος (phōleos), meaning "to lurk" or "to hide."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H4583 מָעוֹן (ma'own): A dwelling place, habitation, or refuge, often used in the Old Testament to describe the dwelling places of animals or the habitation of God.
• H4584 מְעוּנָה (me'unah): A den or lair, similar in usage to φωλεός, referring to the natural habitats of animals.

This entry provides a comprehensive understanding of the term φωλεός, highlighting its significance in biblical teachings and its metaphorical application in the New Testament.

Usage: The term φωλεός is used in the New Testament to describe the dwelling places of animals, often in a metaphorical sense to illustrate spiritual or moral truths.

Context: The Greek word φωλεός appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize the natural habitats of animals, often to draw a parallel with human conditions or spiritual teachings. In Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58, Jesus uses the term to highlight the contrast between the security and comfort of animals and His own lack of a permanent home. The passages read: "Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head" (BSB). This usage underscores the humility and sacrifice inherent in Jesus' earthly ministry, as well as the transient nature of His mission.

The imagery of a den or lair evokes notions of safety and seclusion, which are natural for animals but are presented as absent in the life of Jesus. This serves to illustrate the cost of discipleship and the call to follow Christ without the expectation of worldly security. The metaphor extends to the spiritual realm, where believers are encouraged to seek refuge not in earthly dwellings but in the promises of God.

Forms and Transliterations

φωλεους φωλεούς φωλεοὺς pholeous pholeoùs phōleous phōleoùs

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 8:20 N-AMP
GRK: Αἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ
NAS: have holes and the birds
KJV: The foxes have holes, and the birds
INT: foxes holes have and

Luke 9:58 N-AMP
GRK: Αἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ
NAS: have holes and the birds
KJV: Foxes have holes, and birds
INT: The foxes holes have and

Strong's Greek 5454
2 Occurrences

φωλεοὺς — 2 Occ.