ὀνάριον (onarion)
onarion
young donkey
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun onarion refers specifically to a young donkey or colt. It is the diminutive form of the word for a mature donkey, emphasizing the animal’s youth and small size. This precise terminology appears only once in the New Testament, recorded in John 12:14.
In that passage, Jesus finds this young donkey and mounts it to enter Jerusalem. The choice of a colt likely underscores the humility and gentleness of his arrival, contrasting with the warhorses of political conquerors. By using a specific word for a young animal rather than a general term, the text highlights the accessible and lowly nature of his kingship.
Translators typically render onarion as "colt" or "young donkey" to preserve this nuance. While other Gospels use broader terms for the beast, John’s specific vocabulary draws attention to the creature’s age and docility. This detail reinforces the image of a peaceful ruler who does not rely on military strength or adult beasts of burden for power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word onarion points to a young donkey, specifically a colt or foal. In John’s Gospel, this small animal becomes the mount for Jesus as He enters Jerusalem. The choice of a young beast highlights humility and peace. It stands in stark contrast to the warhorses used by earthly kings.
This detail invites us to see Jesus not as a conqueror demanding submission through force, but as a gentle king offering peace. His arrival on a colt shows that His power is found in meekness rather than military strength. We are invited to follow this same path of humility and trust in God’s timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a young donkey1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀνάριον1×
Key Verses
-
John 12:14
Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written,
This verse records the specific moment Jesus mounts the young donkey, fulfilling prophecy while demonstrating His humble kingship through a gentle animal rather than a warhorse.