Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terminology, the term "pinion" refers to the outer part of a bird's wing, including the flight feathers. It is often used metaphorically in Scripture to convey ideas of protection, strength, and divine care. The imagery of wings and pinions is prevalent in the Bible, symbolizing God's providence and shelter over His people.Biblical References: 1. Deuteronomy 32:11 : "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, He spreads His wings to catch them and carries them on His pinions." This verse is part of the Song of Moses, where God is likened to an eagle caring for its young. The use of "pinions" here emphasizes the strength and protective nature of God's care, suggesting that just as an eagle uses its powerful wings to support and protect its offspring, so does God with His people. 2. Psalm 91:4 : "He will cover you with His feathers; under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and rampart." Although the term "pinion" is not directly used in this verse, the imagery of wings and feathers conveys a similar message of divine protection. The metaphor of being covered by God's wings suggests a place of safety and security, reinforcing the idea of God's faithful guardianship. 3. Ezekiel 17:3 : "Say, ‘This is what the Lord GOD says: A great eagle with great wings, long pinions, and full plumage of many colors came to Lebanon and took away the top of the cedar.'" In this parable, the eagle with "long pinions" represents a powerful and majestic figure. The use of "pinions" here highlights the grandeur and reach of the eagle, symbolizing the far-reaching influence and might of the kingdom it represents. Theological Significance: The use of "pinion" in Scripture often serves to illustrate God's protective and nurturing nature. The imagery of wings and pinions is a powerful reminder of God's omnipotence and His willingness to shelter and support His people. This metaphor is deeply rooted in the understanding of God as a refuge and fortress, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. In a broader theological context, the concept of being under God's wings is associated with trust and faith. Believers are encouraged to seek refuge in God's presence, assured of His unwavering protection and care. The metaphor of pinions, therefore, not only conveys God's strength but also His intimate involvement in the lives of His followers. Cultural and Historical Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, birds, particularly eagles, were often seen as symbols of power and divinity. The biblical authors, inspired by the Holy Spirit, utilized this cultural imagery to communicate profound spiritual truths. The eagle's wings and pinions, known for their strength and ability to soar high, became apt symbols for God's supreme authority and protective nature. The metaphor of pinions also reflects the agrarian and pastoral context of the biblical world, where the natural world was a constant source of inspiration and analogy. The imagery would have been readily understood by the original audience, who were familiar with the behavior and characteristics of birds of prey. Conclusion: The biblical use of "pinion" serves as a rich metaphor for God's protective and nurturing character. Through the imagery of wings and pinions, Scripture communicates the assurance of divine care and the call to trust in God's unfailing strength and refuge. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A moth of the genus Lithophane, as L. antennata, whose larva bores large holes in young peaches and apples.2. (n.) A feather; a quill. 3. (n.) A wing, literal or figurative. 4. (n.) The joint of bird's wing most remote from the body. 5. (n.) A fetter for the arm. 6. (n.) A cogwheel with a small number of teeth, or leaves, adapted to engage with a larger wheel, or rack (see Rack); esp., such a wheel having its leaves formed of the substance of the arbor or spindle which is its axis. 7. (v. t.) To bind or confine the wings of; to confine by binding the wings. 8. (v. t.) To disable by cutting off the pinion joint. 9. (v. t.) To disable or restrain, as a person, by binding the arms, esp. by binding the arms to the body. 10. (v. t.) Hence, generally, to confine; to bind; to tie up. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia PINIONpin'-yun ('ebher, 'ebhrah): the Revised Version (British and American) has translated these Hebrew words uniformly by "pinion," where the King James Version uses either "wing" or "feathers," with which words they stand in parallelism in all passages. The shorter Hebrew word is found only once, in Yahweh's parable to Ezekiel: "A great eagle with great wings and long pinions (the King James Version "longwinged"), full of feathers, which had divers colors, came unto Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar" (Ezekiel 17:3). The feminine form ('ebhrah) is used of the wings of the dove (Psalm 68:13), of the ostrich (Job 39:13) and of the eagle (Deuteronomy 32:11). Once (Psalm 91:4) it stands in a figurative expression for the protective care of Yahweh, which is bestowed on those that trust in Him. 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 Strong's Hebrew 8038. Shemeber -- "name of pinion," king of Zeboiim... Shemeber. 8039 . "name of pinion," king of Zeboiim. Transliteration: Shemeber Phonetic Spelling: (shem-ay'-ber) Short Definition: Shemeber. Word Origin appar. ... /hebrew/8038.htm - 6k 84. ebrah -- a pinion 83. eber -- pinions 5133. notsah -- plumage Library The Eagle and Its Brood Origin of the World; Basilides' Account of the "Sonship. " Christian Ballads. Index of Tunes. The Complaint: Or, Night Thoughts. "Above the Sun. " The Divine Pleader. The Sheltering Wing To Innocent, Bishop of Rome, Greeting in the Lord. Three Pictures of one Reality Thesaurus Pinion (4 Occurrences)... 7. (vt) To bind or confine the wings of; to confine by binding the wings. 8. (vt) To disable by cutting off the pinion joint. ...PINION. ... /p/pinion.htm - 9k Lantern Pining (6 Occurrences) Joyously (8 Occurrences) Leaf (20 Occurrences) Fatigued (5 Occurrences) Rattling (4 Occurrences) Exulteth (6 Occurrences) Expecting (22 Occurrences) Mail (11 Occurrences) Resources Pinion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Pinion (4 Occurrences)Job 39:13 Psalms 55:6 Psalms 91:4 Isaiah 40:31 Subtopics Related Terms |