sparrow

Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:

(spurrer). The Hebrew word signifies “twitterer” and is mostly rendered “bird” or “fowl.” Though tree-sparrows abounded in Palestine, any small bird meets the sense (Psa. 84:3; 102:7³Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. (Psalm 84:3)
⁷I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. (Psalm 102:7)). In N. T. the reference is directly to the sparrow species, used as a cheap food (Matt. 10:29²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (Matthew 10:29); Luke 12:6-7⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? ⁷But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6‑7)).

Concise Bible Dictionary:

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House Sparrows

It is supposed that various kinds of small birds are alluded to by these names, being so called because of their “chirping,” which would include the sparrow. The Hebrew word is often translated “bird,” but only twice “sparrow.” It is alluded to in the Psalms as a lonely one upon the housetop, and as such finding a house in the courts of God’s house (Psa. 84:3³Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. (Psalm 84:3); Psa. 102:7⁷I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. (Psalm 102:7)). In Palestine sparrows are plentiful, and five were sold for two farthings, and yet the Lord said not one fell without His Father’s knowledge, adding “Ye are of more value than many sparrows.” If God cares for the birds (and here the diminutive is employed), surely He will care for His own beloved ones (Matt. 10:29, 31²⁹Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. (Matthew 10:29)
³¹Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:31); Luke 12:6-7⁶Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? ⁷But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. (Luke 12:6‑7)). There are several species of sparrow in Palestine, the Passer cisalpinus, etc. The Petrocossyphus cyaneus, or blue thrush, may be alluded to.

Strong’s Dictionary of Greek Words:

Number:

4765 (find all occurrences in KJV Bible)

Greek:

στρουθίον

Transliteration:

strouthion

Phonic:

stroo-thee’-on

Meaning:

diminutive of strouthos (a sparrow); a little sparrow

KJV Usage:

sparrow