ὀστράκινος (ostrakinos)
ostrakinos
clay
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective ostrakinos describes something made of clay or earthenware. Its root connects to ostrakon, a term for potsherds or tiles, which carries an inherent suggestion of fragility and impermanence. In the New Testament, this word appears in only two verses, both emphasizing the contrast between divine power and human weakness.
Paul uses it to illustrate how God’s treasure is stored in fragile vessels. In 2 Corinthians 4:7, believers are called "earthen vessels" to show that the surpassing power belongs to God, not to them. Similarly, in 2 Timothy 2:20, large houses contain various items, including jars of clay used for common purposes. This usage highlights the humble, breakable nature of human existence when compared to eternal spiritual realities.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ostrakinos reminds us that we are made of humble material. It describes pottery that is fragile, common, and easily broken. In a world that values strength and perfection, this truth can feel unsettling. Yet it offers a deep comfort: our weaknesses do not disqualify us from God’s use.
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7 that we carry treasure in these clay vessels. The treasure is the light of the gospel, and the vessel is us. Because the container is breakable, any power displayed must come from God alone. This takes the pressure off you to be perfect or powerful.
Your value does not depend on your resilience or your ability to handle every crisis. It depends on the One who placed His light inside you. When you feel weak, remember that this is exactly where God’s strength shines brightest. You are held securely by Him, even when you feel fragile.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- earthen,1×
- earthen1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀστράκινα,1×
- ὀστρακίνοις1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 4:7
But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves.
This verse uses the word to show that human fragility ensures God receives glory for the power displayed in believers.
-
II Timothy 2:20
Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor and some for dishonor.
Here the term distinguishes common household items from precious ones, illustrating how God can use humble people for specific purposes.