Strong’s Greek 2781 (κηρίον) designates a honeycomb, the waxen cells formed by bees to store honey and brood. Although the word is absent from the critical editions of the New Testament, it stands behind a long biblical tradition in which the honeycomb serves as a vivid emblem of sweetness, abundance, and the life-giving character of God’s provision.

Presence in the Septuagint

The Septuagint regularly employs κηρίον to translate Hebrew nouns for “honeycomb” (נֹפֶת, חֹרֶשׁ, etc.), preserving the agricultural imagery familiar to Israel. Representative instances include:
• Proverbs 24:13—“Eat honey, my son, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to your taste.”
• Song of Solomon 4:11—“Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb.”
• Proverbs 16:24—“Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

These texts anchor κηρίον in the wisdom tradition, linking literal sweetness to moral and spiritual delight.

Textual Variant in Luke 24

The Byzantine and Textus Receptus tradition record κηρίον in Luke 24:42, where the risen Lord receives “a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb.” Although most modern critical Greek texts omit the phrase, the variant underscores two themes:

1. Physicality of the resurrection—Jesus eats tangible food, dispelling notions of a mere apparition (Luke 24:39).
2. Continuity with Old Testament motifs—Christ shares the very symbol of covenant blessing (“a land flowing with milk and honey”), hinting that in His resurrection the promised fullness has arrived.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

Sweetness of God’s Word

Psalm 19:10 proclaims that the ordinances of the LORD “are sweeter than honey, like honey from the comb.” Psalm 119:103 intensifies the point: “How sweet are Your words to my taste—sweeter than honey to my mouth!” κηρίον therefore typifies Scripture’s pleasant authority; obedience is not oppressive but delightful.

Healing Speech

Proverbs 16:24 parallels “pleasant words” with the honeycomb, depicting speech that nourishes and restores. In ministry, κηρίον warns against corrosive talk (Ephesians 4:29) and encourages words seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6).

Purity and Wholeness

Unlike fermented products, honeycomb requires no human processing; it is received as created. Accordingly, κηρίον can illustrate the unadulterated gospel (Galatians 1:6-9) and the sincere faith called for in 1 Peter 1:22.

Covenant Blessing and Eschatological Fulfillment

“Milk and honey” mark the Promised Land (Exodus 3:8). By extension, κηρίον foreshadows eschatological abundance: the new creation where the Lamb provides every need (Revelation 7:17). Honeycomb imagery thus looks back to Edenic bounty and forward to consummated redemption.

Historical and Cultural Background

In the Ancient Near East, beekeeping was widespread. Clay hives and rock crevices housed colonies whose comb produced a luxury food, medicinal salve, and cultic offering. Wax from the comb served in sealing documents and lighting lamps, giving κηρίον economic and liturgical value. The presence of honeycomb at a shared meal reinforced hospitality, covenant loyalty, and festive joy.

Pastoral Applications

1. Scripture Memorization and Meditation

Just as honeycomb must be chewed for its sweetness to be experienced, believers extract the richness of God’s Word through meditation (Joshua 1:8). A discipline of daily intake cultivates spiritual taste buds attuned to divine truth.

2. Healing Community Speech

Churches should strive for conversations that mirror the “sweetness” and “healing” promised in Proverbs 16:24. Correction delivered in love imitates the honeycomb’s restorative properties.

3. Apologetic of the Resurrection

Referencing the Luke 24:42 variant, preachers can highlight the bodily reality of Christ’s resurrection, countering docetic or purely spiritual interpretations.

4. Stewardship of Blessings

As honeycomb overflowed from the hive, so material and spiritual resources are meant for generous distribution (2 Corinthians 9:6-11).

Related Biblical Images

• Honey from the rock (Deuteronomy 32:13) – unexpected provision.
• Samson’s riddle (Judges 14:14) – sweetness emerging from death, foreshadowing resurrection themes.
• John the Baptist’s diet (Matthew 3:4) – prophetic austerity sustained by God’s supply.

Conclusion

Though κηρίον does not appear in the standard New Testament text, its Old Testament pedigree, probable presence in Luke’s resurrection narrative, and rich theological symbolism commend it to sustained reflection. The honeycomb remains a potent reminder that the Lord’s revelation and redemption are not merely true—they are irresistibly sweet.