ἀετός

an eagle, bird of prey

Definition

ἀετός refers to an eagle, a large bird of prey known for its strength, speed, and keen vision. In the New Testament, it is used both literally and symbolically. In Matthew 24:28, it appears in a proverb about the gathering of vultures (or eagles) at a carcass, symbolizing the unmistakable and swift arrival of judgment. In Revelation 4:7, the eagle is one of the four living creatures around God's throne, representing majesty and perhaps divine perspective, while in Revelation 12:14, the woman (symbolizing God's people) is given eagle's wings to escape persecution, emphasizing divine deliverance and swift protection.

Biblical Usage

This word is used three times in the New Testament, exclusively in apocalyptic or prophetic contexts. In Matthew 24:28, it is used in a saying of Jesus about the end times. In Revelation, it appears twice in highly symbolic visions: as a descriptor of a heavenly creature (Revelation 4:7) and as a metaphor for divinely provided escape (Revelation 12:14). The usage consistently leverages the eagle's cultural associations with speed, height, and power.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek noun ἀετός (aetos), meaning 'eagle'. It is a primary word with no clear further derivation in Greek, though it is cognate with words in other Indo-European languages. The meaning remained stable, consistently denoting the bird of prey.

Semantic Range

Theologically, the eagle is a potent symbol of God's attributes and actions. It represents swift and certain judgment (Matthew 24:28), divine majesty and perhaps omniscience as part of the heavenly throne (Revelation 4:7), and God's powerful deliverance and sustenance of His people, echoing imagery from the Old Testament (e.g., Exodus 19:4). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by connecting these New Testament passages to a consistent symbolic tradition of divine power, perspective, and rescue.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the eagle was the bird of Zeus/Jupiter, the king of the gods, symbolizing royal power, victory, and divine messenger. In the Hebrew context, eagles were admired for their strength and nurturing care (Deuteronomy 32:11), as well as associated with speed and height. The New Testament usage draws on this blend of cultural understandings for its symbolic weight.

γύψ (gups, G105 not applicable) — This is the specific word for 'vulture' or 'culture-eagle', which some translations use in Matthew 24:28, highlighting the scavenging aspect rather than the majestic one of ἀετός.

Word Details

Scripture References