Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the term "wing" is used both literally and metaphorically, appearing in various contexts throughout the Scriptures. The Hebrew word for wing is "kanaph," and the Greek equivalent is "pteryx." Wings are often associated with protection, speed, and divine presence.Literal Usage In a literal sense, wings are mentioned in relation to birds and other creatures. For example, in Genesis 1:21 , God creates "every winged bird according to its kind." The wings of birds are a testament to God's creative power and the diversity of life He has established on earth. Metaphorical Usage 1. Divine Protection and Refuge: Wings are frequently used as a metaphor for God's protection and care. In Psalm 91:4 , it is written, "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." This imagery conveys the safety and security found in God's presence, much like a mother bird sheltering her young under her wings. 2. Healing and Restoration: The concept of wings is also associated with healing. Malachi 4:2 states, "But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings." Here, wings symbolize the restorative power of God, bringing healing and renewal to those who revere Him. 3. Divine Presence and Majesty: Wings are used to describe the majesty and presence of God, particularly in visions and prophetic literature. In Isaiah 6:2 , the seraphim are described as having six wings: "With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying." This depiction emphasizes the holiness and glory of God, as well as the reverence shown by the heavenly beings in His presence. 4. Judgment and Deliverance: Wings can also symbolize swiftness in the context of judgment or deliverance. In Ezekiel 10:5 , the sound of the cherubim's wings is likened to "the voice of God Almighty when He speaks," indicating the power and immediacy of God's actions. Symbolism in the New Testament In the New Testament, wings continue to carry symbolic meaning. In Revelation 12:14 , the woman is given "the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the place prepared for her in the wilderness," symbolizing divine deliverance and protection during times of persecution. Cultural and Theological Significance The imagery of wings in the Bible reflects a deep cultural understanding of protection, speed, and divine intervention. Wings are a powerful symbol of God's care and sovereignty, illustrating His ability to shelter, heal, and deliver His people. The consistent use of this imagery throughout Scripture underscores the enduring nature of God's promises and His active role in the lives of believers. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One of the two anterior limbs of a bird, pterodactyl, or bat. They correspond to the arms of man, and are usually modified for flight, but in the case of a few species of birds, as the ostrich, auk, etc., the wings are used only as an assistance in running or swimming.2. (n.) Any similar member or instrument used for the purpose of flying. 3. (n.) One of the two pairs of upper thoracic appendages of most hexapod insects. They are broad, fanlike organs formed of a double membrane and strengthened by chitinous veins or nervures. 4. (n.) One of the large pectoral fins of the flying fishes. 5. (n.) Passage by flying; flight; as, to take wing. 6. (n.) Motive or instrument of flight; means of flight or of rapid motion. 7. (n.) Anything which agitates the air as a wing does, or which is put in wing-like motion by the action of the air, as a fan or vane for winnowing grain, the vane or sail of a windmill, etc. 8. (n.) An ornament worn on the shoulder; a small epaulet or shoulder knot. 9. (n.) Any appendage resembling the wing of a bird or insect in shape or appearance. 10. (n.) One of the broad, thin, anterior lobes of the foot of a pteropod, used as an organ in swimming. 11. (n.) Any membranaceous expansion, as that along the sides of certain stems, or of a fruit of the kind called samara. 12. (n.) Either of the two side petals of a papilionaceous flower. 13. (n.) One of two corresponding appendages attached; a sidepiece. 14. (n.) A side building, less than the main edifice; as, one of the wings of a palace. 15. (n.) The longer side of crown works, etc., connecting them with the main work. 16. (n.) A side shoot of a tree or plant; a branch growing up by the side of another. 17. (n.) The right or left division of an army, regiment, etc. 18. (n.) That part of the hold or orlop of a vessel which is nearest the sides. In a fleet, one of the extremities when the ships are drawn up in line, or when forming the two sides of a triangle. 19. (n.) One of the sides of the stags in a theater. 20. (v. t.) To furnish with wings; to enable to fly, or to move with celerity. 21. (v. t.) To supply with wings or sidepieces. 22. (v. t.) To transport by flight; to cause to fly. 23. (v. t.) To move through in flight; to fly through. 24. (v. t.) To cut off the wings of; to wound in the wing; to disable a wing of; as, to wing a bird. Greek 4420. pterux -- a wing ... a wing. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: pterux Phonetic Spelling: (pter'-oox) Short Definition: a wing Definition: a wing, pinion. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4420.htm - 6k 4419. pterugion -- a little wing, hence (anything like a wing) a ... 4439. pule -- a gate Strong's Hebrew 3671. kanaph -- wing, extremity... 3670, 3671. kanaph. 3672 . wing, extremity. Transliteration: kanaph Phonetic Spelling: (kaw-nawf') Short Definition: wings. Word ... /hebrew/3671.htm - 6k 1611. gaph -- wing (of a bird) 6731. tsiyts -- perhaps wings 84. ebrah -- a pinion 6734. tsitsith -- a tassel, lock 83. eber -- pinions 3326. yatsua -- a couch, bed 5133. notsah -- plumage Library The Sheltering Wing Of the Lightness of the Soul which May be Compared to a Wing or ... Origin of the World; Basilides' Account of the "Sonship. " That Bacchides was Again Sent Out against Judas; and How Judas ... Tenderness. "Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me. " Herod Takes Sepphoris and Subdues the Robbers that were in the ... Building a Great Temple The New Song The Struggle for Life Thesaurus Wing (18 Occurrences)... 5. (n.) Passage by flying; flight; as, to take wing. ... 9. (n.) Any appendage resembling the wing of a bird or insect in shape or appearance. 10. ... /w/wing.htm - 15k Cherub (21 Occurrences) Reaching (22 Occurrences) Cherubs (52 Occurrences) Wings (81 Occurrences) Pinion (4 Occurrences) Wingspan (1 Occurrence) Refuse (103 Occurrences) Extended (40 Occurrences) Pinnacle (2 Occurrences) Resources Does the Enneagram of Personality contradict the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Christian Identity Movement? | GotQuestions.org What is neo-evangelicalism? What is a neo-evangelical? | GotQuestions.org Wing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Wing (18 Occurrences)Genesis 1:21 Genesis 7:14 Exodus 27:14 Exodus 27:15 Exodus 38:14 Exodus 38:15 1 Kings 6:24 1 Kings 6:27 2 Chronicles 3:11 2 Chronicles 3:12 Job 39:13 Ecclesiastes 10:20 Isaiah 10:14 Ezekiel 1:11 Ezekiel 17:23 Ezekiel 39:4 Ezekiel 39:17 Daniel 9:27 Subtopics Related Terms |