Original Word: μόσχος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: moschos
Pronunciation: MOS-khos
Phonetic Spelling: (mos'-khos)
Definition: calf, young bull
Meaning: a calf, heifer, young bull.

calf.

Probably strengthened for oschos (a shoot); a young bullock -- calf.

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a young shoot, a calf
NASB Translation
calf (4), calves (2).

STRONGS NT 3448: μόσχος

μόσχος, μόσχου, ὁ (cf. Schmidt, chapter 76, 12; Curtius, p. 593);

1. a tender, juicy, shoot; a sprout, of a plant or tree.

2. ὁ, ἡ, μόσχος offspring;

a. of men ((cf. figurative English scion)), a boy, a girl, especially if fresh and delicate.

b. of animals, a young one.

3. a calf, a bullock, a heifer; so everywhere in the Bible, and always masculine: Luke 15:23, 27, 30; Hebrews 9:12, 19; Revelation 4:7; (the Sept. chiefly for פַּר, a bull, especially a young bull; then for בָּקָר, cattle; for שׁור, an ox or a cow; also for עֵגֶל, a calf). ((Euripides, on.))

Word Origin: Derived from a primary word (the base of μυέω, mueo, meaning "to initiate" or "to instruct").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H1121 בֵּן (ben): Often used to denote a "son" or "young one," which can include young animals like calves.
• H5695 עֵגֶל (egel): Specifically refers to a "calf," often used in contexts of sacrifice or idolatry, such as the golden calf incident.
• H6499 פַּר (par): Refers to a "young bull" or "bullock," frequently used in sacrificial contexts in the Old Testament.

These Hebrew terms provide a background for understanding the cultural and religious significance of μόσχος in the New Testament, as they reflect the practices and symbolism associated with young bulls and calves in ancient Israelite society.

Usage: The term μόσχος appears in the New Testament primarily in contexts involving sacrifice, feasting, or celebration. It is often associated with the "fattened calf," a symbol of festivity and abundance.

Context: The Greek word μόσχος is used in the New Testament to denote a young bull or calf, particularly in contexts that emphasize celebration or sacrifice. This term is most famously used in the Parable of the Prodigal Son, found in Luke 15:23, where the father orders the slaughter of the "fattened calf" to celebrate the return of his lost son: "Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let us feast and celebrate." Here, the μόσχος symbolizes the joy and restoration of a broken relationship, highlighting themes of forgiveness and reconciliation.

In the cultural and religious context of the time, the slaughtering of a fattened calf was a significant event, reserved for special occasions and indicative of wealth and generosity. The use of μόσχος in this parable underscores the father's abundant grace and the lavishness of the celebration.

The term also appears in Hebrews 9:12-13, where it is used in a sacrificial context: "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." Here, μόσχος is part of a comparison between the Old Covenant sacrifices and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, emphasizing the superiority and sufficiency of Christ's atonement.

μόσχοι μόσχοις μοσχον μόσχον μόσχος μόσχου μόσχους μοσχω μόσχω μόσχῳ μοσχων μόσχων μοτώσει moscho moschō móschoi móschōi moschon moschōn móschon móschōnInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts