θρέμμα (thremma)
thremma
livestock
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun thremma refers to livestock or young animals, specifically those that are fed and nurtured. Derived from the verb for nourishing, it literally means "a nursling" or "ward." In biblical usage, this term shifts from the singular image of a dependent child or animal to the collective group known as cattle, sheep, or goats.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in John 4:12. Jesus uses it when questioning the Samaritan woman about Jacob’s well, asking if He is greater than their ancestor who gave them this thremma. Here, the term likely refers to the flocks and herds that Jacob provided for his family and servants, highlighting the practical provision of sustenance.
Translators often render thremma as "cattle" or "livestock," though some older versions might use "flock." The word carries a sense of dependency, emphasizing that these animals rely on human care for their survival. This usage underscores the tangible, everyday reality of ancient life, where livestock represented both wealth and essential food sources.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thremma points to the quiet, daily reality of ancient life. It describes livestock—animals that depend entirely on human care for their survival. In John 4:12, Jesus asks the Samaritan woman if He is greater than Jacob, who provided this sustenance for his family and servants. This reference grounds our faith in the tangible needs of everyday existence.
For your spiritual journey, this word reminds us that God cares about the practical details of life. Just as Jacob’s flocks required feeding and protection, we rely on God’s provision for our daily bread. His care is not distant but deeply involved in the ordinary moments of our days. We can trust Him with both our physical needs and our deepest longings.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- livestock1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θρέμματα1×
Key Verses
-
John 4:12
Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his children and his livestock?”
Jesus uses this term to highlight Jacob’s role as a provider, setting up a contrast between earthly sustenance and the living water He offers.