κεράτιον (keration)
keration
husk
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun keration refers to the pods of the carob tree, a plant native to the Mediterranean region. Often called "locust beans" due to their shape resembling those of the locust tree, these pods were common in the ancient Near East. While they provided a sweet taste and could be used to fatten livestock, they were primarily considered food for the poor or animals rather than a delicacy for humans.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke 15:16. It describes the desperate situation of the prodigal son, who longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating. The image highlights his complete humiliation and starvation; he was reduced to wanting the lowest form of sustenance available, underscoring the depth of his fall before his return.
Etymologically, keration is a diminutive derived from the word for "horn" (keras), likely referencing the pod’s curved shape. Translators often render it as "husks," though this English term can sound vague or dismissive. The specific reference to carob pods grounds the parable in a tangible reality of ancient poverty, making the son’s hunger and shame immediately visible to the listener.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word keration refers to the hard pods of the carob tree, often called locust beans. In the ancient Mediterranean world, these were not a luxury but a staple for the poor or animal feed. When the prodigal son in Luke’s parable longs for this food, it signals a moment of absolute rock bottom. He is reduced to wanting what feeds livestock, highlighting the depth of his shame and physical need.
This image reminds us that God sees us in our lowest moments. The son did not have to clean himself up or achieve success before returning home. His father ran to meet him while he was still covered in the dust of failure. This story offers hope: no matter how far you have fallen, grace is available. You are never too broken for God’s love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pods1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κερατίων1×
Key Verses
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Luke 15:16
He wanted to fill his belly with the pods that the pigs ate, but no one gave him any.
This verse uses the word to depict the son's desperate hunger and humiliation, as he desires food meant only for pigs.