Lexical Summary óon: Egg Original Word: ὄον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance egg. Apparently a primary word; an "egg" -- egg. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition an egg NASB Translation egg (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5609: ὀωνὀων (so R G Tr, but L T WH ὀων; see (Etym. Magn. 822, 40) Iota), ὀωυ, τό, from Herodotus down, an egg: Luke 11:12 (for בֵּיצָה, found only in the plural בֵּיצִים, Deuteronomy 22:6; Isaiah 10:14, etc.). Topical Lexicon Biblical OccurrenceThe Greek noun ᾠόν appears once in the New Testament, in Luke 11:12. There Jesus employs the everyday request for “an egg” to illustrate the goodness of earthly fathers and, by contrast, the far greater benevolence of the heavenly Father. Context in Luke 11:12 Luke records Jesus’ teaching on prayer immediately after the model prayer. In verses 11–13 He offers three parallel contrasts: bread/stone, fish/snake, and egg/scorpion. The “egg” stands as a normal, nourishing food that a child might ask from his father. The question, “Or if he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion?” (Luke 11:12) is rhetorical, anticipating a resounding “No.” Jesus argues from the lesser to the greater: if sinful human parents meet legitimate needs, the Father will certainly give “the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him” (Luke 11:13). The single mention of ᾠόν therefore anchors a key assurance concerning God’s generosity and the believer’s confidence in prayer. Old Testament Background While the Septuagint uses related vocabulary, English translations reveal numerous references to eggs that enrich Luke’s scene. • Deuteronomy 22:6–7 shows God’s concern for both creation and compassion: safeguarding a mother bird while permitting the taking of “chicks or eggs.” These texts frame eggs as symbols of life, vulnerability, provision, or, when abused, treachery. Luke’s “egg” carries the positive side of that imagery—sustenance supplied by a caring parent. Historical and Cultural Insights In first-century Palestine eggs were staple fare, usually from chickens or doves. Although not expensive, they required daily effort—gathering, caring for hens, and cooking. A father supplying an egg demonstrated tangible, routine kindness. A scorpion, by contrast, represented hidden danger; some species curl into a shape resembling a small egg, making the contrast vivid: what looks helpful could in fact sting and destroy. Jesus thus leverages a common household experience to underscore God’s total reliability. Theological Themes 1. Fatherhood of God: The egg episode affirms God’s parental character. He neither withholds basic necessities nor substitutes harmful counterfeits. Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Teaching on Prayer: Use Luke 11:11-13 to assure new believers that persistent, childlike requests are welcomed and answered. Christological Reflections Jesus, the Son who perfectly trusts the Father, authoritatively reveals God’s nature through homely images like an egg. His teaching presents the Father as both powerful and intimately caring. Moreover, the passage foreshadows the resurrection: just as an egg conceals life that will emerge, so the tomb contained the hidden life that burst forth on the third day. Though Luke 11 does not state that symbolism explicitly, early Christians readily connected everyday tokens of life with the risen Christ. Summary The lone New Testament appearance of ᾠόν serves a pivotal role in Jesus’ instruction on prayer, illustrating the contrast between good and evil gifts and showcasing the Father’s lavish goodness. Rooted in a broad biblical tapestry that treats eggs as symbols of life and care, Luke 11:12 calls every believer to approach God with confidence, certain that He never substitutes harm for help, but delights to give the greatest gift—His own Spirit—to those who ask. Forms and Transliterations ωά ωοίς ωον ωόν ᾠόν ωών oión ōión oon ōonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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