Lexical Summary phóleos: Den, Lair Original Word: φωλεός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance hole, denOf uncertain derivative; a burrow or lurking-place -- hole. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a hole, den NASB Translation holes (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5454: φωλεόςφωλεός, φωλεου, ὁ, a lurking-hole, burrow; a lair: of animals, Matthew 8:20; Luke 9:58. (Aristotle, Aelian, Plutarch, Geoponica, others.) Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture The term φωλεός is confined to two parallel statements of Jesus Christ: Matthew 8:20 and Luke 9:58. Each records the same response to would-be followers: “Foxes have dens and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.” (Matthew 8:20) Used nowhere else in the New Testament, the word is bound to this teaching moment and derives its significance from it. Cultural and Natural Background Palestinian foxes dig shallow, winding burrows for refuge and rest. These holes are neither luxurious nor permanent, yet they provide reliable shelter. By referencing such ordinary animal habitations, Jesus draws on a scene immediately recognizable to His hearers—rural Galileans and travelers who often spotted foxes at dusk near fields and walls. Contrast With the Son of Man 1. Ordinary creatures enjoy secure shelters; the Messiah does not claim even that. Old Testament Resonances While φωλεός itself does not appear in the Septuagint, fox imagery heightens Jesus’ saying: Against these backdrops Jesus stands as the true Prophet who rejects self-preserving comforts for the sake of truth and redemption. Implications for Discipleship The context of both Gospel accounts is a would-be disciple declaring willingness to follow. Jesus’ answer places three demands before every follower: Prophetic and Messianic Dimensions Jesus’ lack of lodging anticipates His ultimate rejection (John 1:11) and foreshadows the Passion, when even His grave must be borrowed (Matthew 27:60). At the same time it points forward to the eschatological reversal when the Son of Man will receive an everlasting kingdom (Daniel 7:14). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Church leaders model sacrificial service, valuing obedience over comfort (1 Peter 5:2-3). Practical Reflection The image of the fox’s den calls each generation to evaluate attachments. If even animals possess a reliable resting place, yet Christ relinquished His, disciples can relinquish lesser securities for the spread of His message. Summary Though occurring only twice, φωλεός frames a profound revelation: divine humility set against animal security. The word preserves Jesus’ call to a cross-shaped path, assuring believers that what is surrendered now will be surpassed by the prepared place He promises (John 14:2-3). Forms and Transliterations φωλεους φωλεούς φωλεοὺς pholeous pholeoùs phōleous phōleoùsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 8:20 N-AMPGRK: Αἱ ἀλώπεκες φωλεοὺς ἔχουσιν καὶ NAS: have holes and the birds KJV: The foxes have holes, and the birds INT: foxes holes have and Luke 9:58 N-AMP |