λίτρα (G3046) — Greek Lexicon

λίτρα

lítra

G3046 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A unit of weight, approximately equal to a Roman pound (about 327–329 grams), used as a measure for commodities such as spices or precious substances; in most contexts, refers specifically to a standard unit rather than an abstract or figurative sense. May also refer to the object (a pound's weight) or, rarely, the amount of goods measured by this weight.

Semantic Range

Roman pound (about 327–329 grams), a quantity of a commodity measured by this unit, rarely the object weighed or traded by the pound

Root / Etymology

Loanword from Latin 'libra,' a Roman unit of weight. The Greek λίτρα is a direct adaptation of the Latin term, reflecting Roman commercial and administrative influence in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and early Hellenistic Greek, λίτρα is not widely attested; its use is primarily seen from the early Roman era onward in Greek-speaking regions under Latin influence. In the New Testament (e.g. John 12:3, 19:39), λίτρα denotes the amount or weight (often of expensive substances like myrrh and aloes) and reflects the Roman standard rather than older Greek weights. In the Septuagint, λίτρα is extremely rare or absent, as older Hebrew units (like the shekel or talent) predominated. The term entered Greek through administrative, fiscal, and mercantile contexts as the Roman 'libra' became the official standard of weight. In English translations, 'pound' often appears, but the ancient 'libra' was somewhat lighter than the modern avoirdupois pound. No evidence supports a figurative or symbolic use in Koine sources; the meaning remains consistently concrete and commercial.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Latin origin (libra); a pound in weight:--pound.

Root Family

λίτρα (lítra) — unit of weight, Roman pound, measure

Root λιτρ- unit of weight, measure, pound

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G3046-01`	λίτραν	litran	`N ACC F SG`	a pound	a Roman pound	a Roman pound	1
`G3046-02`	λίτρας	litras	`N ACC F PL`	pounds	Roman pounds	pounds	1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

Filter by SIDANCE:

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G3046-01`	John 12:3	λίτραν	litran	`N ACC F SG`	a pound	a Roman pound	a Roman pound
`G3046-02`	John 19:39	λίτρας	litras	`N ACC F PL`	pounds	Roman pounds	pounds

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