Original Word: κεράτιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: keration
Pronunciation: keh-RAH-tee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (ker-at'-ee-on)
Definition: Pod, Carob pod
Meaning: a husk (pod) of the carob.

husk.

Neuter of a presumed derivative of keras; something horned, i.e. (specially) the pod of the carob-tree -- husk.

see GREEK keras

Word Origin
dim. of keras
Definition
a carob pod
NASB Translation
pods (1).

STRONGS NT 2769: κεράτιον

κεράτιον, κερατιου, τό (diminutive of κέρας);

1. a little horn.

2. the name of the fruit of the κερατέα or κερατεια (or κερατια), the Ceratonia sillqua (Linn.) or carob tree (called also St. John's Bread (from the notion that its pods, which resemble those of the 'locust', constituted the food of the Baptist)). This fruit is shaped like a horn and has a sweet taste; it was (and is) used not only in fattening swine, but as an article of food by the lower classes: Luke 15:16 (A. V. husks); cf. Winers RWB, under the word Johannisbrodbaum; (B. D. (especially American edition) under the word ).

Word Origin: Diminutive of κέρας (keras), meaning "horn."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for κεράτιον, the concept of carob pods as a food source can be related to the broader biblical theme of sustenance and provision found in various Hebrew terms for food and nourishment. However, specific Hebrew entries that directly correspond to the Greek κεράτιον are not present in the Strong's Hebrew Dictionary.

Usage: The term κεράτιον is used in the New Testament to refer to the pods of the carob tree, which were used as food for livestock and, in times of scarcity, for humans. It appears in the context of the parable of the Prodigal Son.

Context: • Context and Background: The carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) is native to the Mediterranean region and produces long, pod-like fruits. These pods, known as carob pods or "St. John's bread," were commonly used as fodder for animals, particularly swine. In ancient times, they were also consumed by the poor or during famine due to their availability and nutritional content.

• Biblical Reference: The term κεράτιον appears in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in the parable of the Prodigal Son. In Luke 15:16 (BSB), it is written: "He longed to fill his belly with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one would give him a thing." This verse highlights the desperation and destitution of the Prodigal Son, who, after squandering his inheritance, finds himself envious of the pigs' food.

• Symbolism and Interpretation: The use of κεράτιον in this parable underscores the depth of the Prodigal Son's fall from grace. The carob pods, being a lowly and humble food source, symbolize his reduced state and the consequences of his reckless living. The narrative serves as a powerful illustration of repentance and redemption, as the son eventually returns to his father, seeking forgiveness and restoration.

καραυνούς κερατιστής κερατιων κερατίων κεραυνώσει keration keratiōn keratíon keratíōnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts