κηρίον

a honeycomb

Definition

κηρίον (kērion) refers specifically to a honeycomb, the waxy structure created by bees to store honey and raise their young. In the New Testament, it appears only in Luke 24:42, where the resurrected Jesus eats a piece of broiled fish and part of a honeycomb to demonstrate the physical reality of his body to his disciples. The word denotes the natural product itself, not just the honey, emphasizing a tangible, edible substance. While the singular biblical usage is straightforward, in broader Greek literature, κηρίον could also refer to wax used for writing tablets or sealing, though this sense is not present in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 24:42. It appears in the narrative of Jesus' post-resurrection appearance, where he requests food and is given broiled fish and a honeycomb. The usage is concrete and descriptive, serving to highlight the physical nature of the resurrected Christ's body in a tangible, ordinary meal context. No other New Testament books use this term.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word κηρός (kēros), meaning 'beeswax.' The suffix -ιον forms a diminutive or denotes a related object, thus κηρίον essentially means 'a little waxen thing' or 'that which is made of wax,' specifically the waxen cells of a honeycomb. Cognates are found in other Indo-European languages related to wax and honey.

Semantic Range

While κηρίον itself is an ordinary object, its single use in Luke 24:42 carries theological weight. By eating physical food—fish and a honeycomb—the resurrected Jesus provides empirical proof against a docetic or purely spiritual understanding of his resurrection. It affirms the bodily, material reality of the resurrection, a cornerstone of Christian hope. Understanding this specific term enriches the reading by grounding the miraculous event in a tangible, sensory detail.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, honey was a valued sweetener and food source, often harvested from wild bees. A honeycomb represented a natural, unprocessed delicacy. Its inclusion in this meal scene would have been understood as a wholesome, nourishing food item, possibly symbolizing the goodness of God's creation. The detail adds authenticity to the narrative, reflecting common dietary elements of the time.

μέλι (meli, G3192) — This is the Greek word for 'honey' itself, the substance, whereas κηρίον is the wax structure containing it.

Word Details

Scripture References