νοσσιά
nossiá
G3555 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A group or cluster of young birds hatched at the same time from the same parent, typically used for birds still in the nest, especially chicks or fledglings; in broader contexts, may refer to a brood, offspring, or collective young of certain animals.
Semantic Range
brood of young birds, clutch of chicks or fledglings, collective offspring (of birds)
Root / Etymology
From νεοσσός (neossós, meaning 'young bird' or 'chick'), with the suffix -ία (-ia) forming an abstract or collective noun. Thus, νοσσιά indicates the collective of chicks or hatchlings.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, νοσσιά refers specifically to a clutch or brood of young birds, especially those still dependent in the nest. Its usage is almost exclusively zoological, not metaphorical, though rare extensions to other young animals may be found. In the Septuagint, νοσσιά often translates Hebrew terms for a clutch or nest of birds (e.g., Deut 22:6), maintaining the concrete sense. In the New Testament, its rare occurrence continues to denote a group of young birds, as in Luke 13:34, where it describes a hen gathering her brood under her wings—a vivid natural image emphasizing protective care. Standard English translations as 'brood' or 'young' do capture the meaning, though the image of nesting chicks is more primary in Greek nuance. There is no inherent metaphorical or human application in Koine usage; such meanings are contextually or interpretively supplied by surrounding language.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from νεοσσός; a brood (of chickens):--brood.
Root Family
νοσσιά (nossiá) — young bird, chick, hatchling, brood
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3555-01 |
νοσσιὰν | nossian | N ACC F SG |
brood | a brood of chicks | brood of chicks | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3555-01 |
Luke 13:34 | νοσσιὰν | nossian | N ACC F SG |
brood | a brood of chicks | brood of chicks |