πτηνός (ptēnos)
ptēnos
bird
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective ptēnos literally means "winged" or "flying," describing creatures equipped with wings. In the New Testament, it functions as a substantive noun to refer generally to birds. This specific term appears only once in the entire Greek Bible, marking it as a rare lexical choice compared to more common words for fowl.
Its sole occurrence is found in Paul’s discussion of different kinds of flesh in 1 Corinthians 15:39. Here, he uses ptēnos alongside terms for humans and animals to illustrate the diversity of created bodies. The word highlights the category of winged creatures distinct from those that walk or swim.
The etymology links it to the verb ptesthai, meaning "to fly" or "to flutter." By using this specific adjective rather than a generic noun, Paul emphasizes the physical characteristic of flight when categorizing living beings. This precise terminology helps distinguish birds within his broader argument about the variety of bodies in creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ptēnos simply means bird, or more precisely, a winged creature. In the New Testament, it appears just once, in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. He uses it to list the different kinds of living things that God has made. This rare word helps us see how carefully God designed the natural world.
When we read about birds here, we are reminded of the variety in creation. From humans to animals to fish and birds, each has its own unique body. This diversity shows God’s creativity and care for every part of His world. It invites us to appreciate the beauty of nature as a reflection of His handiwork.
Though this word is rare, it carries a gentle reminder: God made many things, and each has its place. We can trust that He knows what He is doing, even when life feels complex or uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of birds1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πτηνῶν,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 15:39
All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of men, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.
Paul uses ptēnos to categorize birds as a distinct group of created beings with their own kind of flesh, highlighting the diversity of God's design.