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κάλαμος

kálamos

G2563 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

κάλαμος primarily denotes a reed, specifically the stalk of reed plants, which grow in wet or marshy ground. In various contexts, it can refer to: 1) the plant or stalk itself; 2) a measuring rod made from a reed; 3) a writing implement fashioned from a reed (reed pen); and 4) by extension, a staff or rod. The core meaning is the physical reed or cane, but usage extends to objects or tools made from or resembling a reed, such as instruments of measurement or writing.

Semantic Range

reed plant or stalk, measuring rod (from reed), reed pen (writing implement), ceremonial staff, figurative use for weakness or instability, ingredient in perfumes or ritual

Root / Etymology

Greek root κάλαμος. Etymology uncertain; possibly of pre-Greek origin, or a borrowing from Semitic languages (compare Hebrew קָנֶה qanēh 'reed'), but not definitively established.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, κάλαμος refers to various types of reeds or canes, especially those found by rivers and lakes, and by extension to any object made from such plants. The Septuagint uses κάλαμος to translate Hebrew קָנֶה, often in contexts of measuring rods, ritual objects, or as an ingredient in perfumed oil (Exod 30:23). In the New Testament (e.g., Matt 11:7; Matt 27:29, 48; Rev 11:1), κάλαμος can denote not just any reed, but also specific uses: e.g., a fragile stalk symbolizing weakness, a reed as an instrument for mock coronation, a rod for measurement, and a pen for writing (cf. 3 John 13). Later Greek literature continues these uses, preserving both the literal and figurative applications. English translations sometimes use 'reed,' 'rod,' 'measuring rod,' or 'pen,' but may not capture the breadth of the Greek term, especially its connotations as a standard for measurement or its use as a writing instrument. No significant theological significance attaches to the term itself.

Translation Consistency

primary "reed" 11 occurrences

The primary and most common sense of κάλαμος is the plant stalk or cane — a reed — and the majority of occurrences are rendered 'reed' (10/12). Other senses (measuring rod, reed pen, staff) are extensions of the physical reed and are naturally expressed in English as items made from a 'reed.' 'Reed' is the simplest, most natural base word that covers the full, typical semantic range.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"pen" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen:--pen, reed.

Root Family

κάλαμος (kalamos) — reed, cane, stalk

Root κάλαμος reed, cane, stalk

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2563-02 κάλαμον kalamon N ACC M SG a reed a reed a reed 6
G2563-01 καλάμῳ kalamo N DAT M SG on a reed to a reed reed 4
G2563-03 κάλαμος kalamos N NOM M SG a reed reed stalk reed stalk 1
G2563-04 καλάμου kalamou N GEN M SG pen of a reed pen 1

Occurrences in Scripture

12 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2563-02 Matthew 11:7 κάλαμον kalamon N ACC M SG a reed a reed a reed
G2563-02 Matthew 12:20 κάλαμον kalamon N ACC M SG a bruised reed a reed a reed
G2563-02 Matthew 27:29 κάλαμον kalamon N ACC M SG a reed a reed a reed
G2563-02 Matthew 27:30 κάλαμον kalamon N ACC M SG reed a reed a reed
G2563-01 Matthew 27:48 καλάμῳ kalamo N DAT M SG on a reed to a reed on a reed
G2563-01 Mark 15:19 καλάμῳ kalamo N DAT M SG with a reed to a reed with a reed
G2563-01 Mark 15:36 καλάμῳ kalamo N DAT M SG on a reed to a reed to a reed
G2563-02 Luke 7:24 κάλαμον kalamon N ACC M SG a reed a reed a reed
G2563-04 3 John 1:13 καλάμου kalamou N GEN M SG pen of a reed pen
G2563-03 Revelation 11:1 κάλαμος kalamos N NOM M SG a reed reed stalk reed stalk
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