νεοσσός (neossos)
neossos
nestling
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun neossos refers to a young bird or nestling, specifically describing an offspring that is still in the early stages of life. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Luke 2:24, where it is used to describe the offering required by Jewish law for purification after childbirth.
This term highlights the humility and accessibility of the ritual prescribed in Leviticus. The text notes that Mary and Joseph offered "a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons," indicating their modest means. By using neossos, the Gospel writer emphasizes that Jesus’ family participated fully in the religious obligations of their time, despite their humble circumstances.
The word derives from a root meaning "young" or "newly born," reinforcing the idea of tender age and vulnerability. Its singular occurrence in Scripture underscores the significance of this specific moment in Jesus’ early life, connecting his birth to the broader narrative of Jewish tradition and devotion.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word neossos simply means a nestling, or a very young bird. In Luke’s Gospel, it appears in the quiet moment when Mary and Joseph bring their offering to the temple. They present two young pigeons, which was the allowance for those who could not afford a lamb. This small detail grounds the birth of Jesus in real economic life.
It is comforting to know that God entered a world where families had to count their coins. The holiness of Christ’s arrival did not skip over the struggles of ordinary people. Instead, it embraced them. Your own humble moments are seen and held by Him just as surely.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- young1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νοσσοὺς1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 2:24
and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”
This verse uses neossos to identify the specific offering of two young pigeons, marking the family's obedience to the law despite their poverty.