"contracted form, ὀστοῦν, οῦ, τό, a bone, Mt. 23:27; Lk. 24:39; Jn. 19:36; Heb. 11:22*"
Definition and meaning
contracted form, ὀστοῦν, οῦ, τό, a bone, Mt. 23:27; Lk. 24:39; Jn. 19:36; Heb. 11:22*
In the original Greek the word is written: ὀστέον
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of osteon (G3747) across the King James Bible.
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken.
For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G3747 (osteon) is a Greek word that means: contracted form, ὀστοῦν, οῦ, τό, a bone, Mt. 23:27; Lk. 24:39; Jn. 19:36; Heb. 11:22* It appears 5 times in the King James Bible.
The word osteon (G3747) appears 5 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3747 is osteon, a Greek word defined as: contracted form, ὀστοῦν, οῦ, τό, a bone, Mt. 23:27; Lk. 24:39; Jn. 19:36; Heb. 11:22*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
osteon is a Greek word found in the New Testament.