ἀλώπηξ (alōpēx)
alōpēx
fox
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun alōpēx refers simply to a fox, an animal known for its cunning and adaptability. In both the Old Testament Greek translation and the New Testament, it denotes this specific creature without inherent religious symbolism attached to the animal itself.
Jesus uses the word metaphorically in two distinct contexts. He contrasts his own homelessness with the fox’s ability to find shelter, noting that while foxes have dens, he has nowhere to lay his head (Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58). Later, he addresses Herod Antipas directly, calling him a "fox" in Luke 13:32. This usage highlights the ruler’s political shrewdness and danger rather than implying any moral judgment about the animal.
Translators typically retain the literal image of the fox to preserve the vividness of Jesus’ speech. The term does not suggest evil in a supernatural sense but points to worldly cleverness or resourcefulness. By using this common word, the Gospels ground their theological statements in everyday rural life familiar to first-century listeners.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for fox appears in Jesus’ teaching to highlight the reality of discipleship. In Matthew and Luke, He notes that while foxes have dens, the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head. This image reminds us that following Him may mean leaving behind comfort and security. It is a call to trust God’s provision even when life feels unstable or uncertain.
Jesus also uses the term for Herod in Luke 13. Here, it points to political cunning rather than spiritual evil. The word grounds our faith in everyday reality. We serve a Lord who understands both the vulnerability of homelessness and the sharpness of worldly power. This honest view of life invites us to rest in His presence, regardless of our circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- foxes1×
- fox1×
- Foxes1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀλώπεκες2×
- ἀλώπεκι1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:20
Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”
This verse contrasts the fox’s secure den with Jesus’ homelessness, illustrating the cost of discipleship.
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Luke 9:58
Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”
Here the same image emphasizes that following Christ may require sacrificing personal comfort and stability.
-
Luke 13:32
He said to them, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I complete my mission.
Jesus calls Herod a fox to describe his political shrewdness, showing the word can denote worldly cunning rather than evil.