στρουθίον (strouthion)
strouthion
sparrow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun strouthion refers to a small bird, specifically a sparrow. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, all within the Gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke. The word is a diminutive form, suggesting something tiny or insignificant in size.
Jesus uses this common, lowly bird to illustrate God’s intimate care. He notes that sparrows are sold for very little money, yet not one falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge (Matthew 10:29). This comparison highlights that if God watches over such small creatures, He certainly values His followers far more (Luke 12:6-7).
The term underscores a theological point about divine providence. By choosing a humble, everyday animal, the Gospels emphasize that no detail of life is too small for God’s attention. The word itself carries the sense of something minor, making the claim of its inclusion in God’s sovereign plan all the more striking.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word strouthion refers to a sparrow, a small and common bird in first-century Palestine. Jesus uses this humble creature to teach about God’s careful attention. In Matthew 10:29, He notes that even when sparrows fall, it happens under the Father’s watchful eye. This image reminds us that no moment is too small or unnoticed by God.
When fear or anxiety weighs on your heart, this passage offers gentle comfort. Luke 12:7 adds that every hair on your head is counted, showing how deeply valued you are. If God cares for these tiny birds, He certainly holds you close. This truth invites peace rather than panic in difficult seasons.
Reflecting on divine providence does not remove life’s challenges but places them in a larger context of care. You are never overlooked or forgotten. The same God who numbers the sparrows knows your name and walks with you through every day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sparrows4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στρουθίων2×
- στρουθία2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 10:29
“Aren’t two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will.
This verse establishes the baseline of divine oversight, showing that even the accidental fall of a bird occurs within God's will.
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Luke 12:6
“Aren’t five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.
Here the scope expands to five sparrows, emphasizing that God does not forget any individual creature in His economy.
-
Luke 12:7
But the very hairs of your head are all counted. Therefore don’t be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.
The mention of counted hairs connects the care for sparrows directly to personal intimacy with each believer.