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μέτρον

métron

G3358 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A measured amount or standard unit of measurement; specifically, an instrument, dimension, or extent by which quantity, length, capacity, or value is determined. It may also refer to a portion, degree, or limit as established by a standard. In abstract or figurative usage, it can denote a proportion, limit, or standard set for something, such as a measure of quality, conduct, or capacity.

Semantic Range

instrument or standard of measurement, unit of measurement, measured quantity, measure in music or poetry, limit, portion, degree, standard, moderation

Root / Etymology

From the Greek root μέτρ-, related to the Indo-European root *meh₁-, meaning 'to measure.' Cognate with related Greek words such as μετρέω (to measure), μέτριος (moderate), and Latin 'metrum' (measure, poetic meter). Attested as a native Greek noun without semitic influence.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, μέτρον referred to both physical units of measurement (length, capacity, value) and more abstract senses such as moderation, proportion, and the standard for judgment. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts (including the Septuagint and New Testament), both literal and figurative senses were in use: it could denote a measuring vessel, standard of measure, or (more metaphorically) a degree, portion, or allocation (e.g., of spiritual gifts or judgment). The New Testament commonly employs the figurative sense (e.g., 'with the measure you use it will be measured to you,' Matt 7:2), reflecting both standard quantification and the idea of measure as a limit or proportion. English translations often render μέτρον simply as 'measure,' but the broader context can include the ideas of standard, proportion, and even moderation or constraint. The term is also the root for the English word 'meter.'

Translation Consistency

primary "measure" 14 occurrences

μέτρον is primarily a noun meaning a measure, unit, or standard — an instrument or amount, a portion or limit, or a standard of degree/quality. “Measure” is the natural, common English word that covers instrument/unit/quantity and the figurative senses (limit, standard, moderation) and matches the majority of existing renderings.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

an apparently primary word; a measure ("metre"), literally or figuratively; by implication, a limited portion (degree):-- measure.

Root Family

μέτρον (metron) — measure, standard, portion, limit, degree

Root μέτρ- to measure, to set a standard, to allot

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3358-02 μέτρον metron N ACC N SG measure a measured portion a measured portion 8
G3358-01 μέτρῳ metro N DAT N SG measure by a measure by a measure 4
G3358-03 μέτρου metrou N GEN N SG measure of measure of measure 2

Occurrences in Scripture

14 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3358-01 Matthew 7:2 μέτρῳ metro N DAT N SG measure by a measure by a measure
G3358-02 Matthew 23:32 μέτρον metron N ACC N SG measure a measured portion a measured portion
G3358-01 Mark 4:24 μέτρῳ metro N DAT N SG measure by a measure by a measure
G3358-02 Luke 6:38 μέτρον metron N ACC N SG measure a measured portion a measured portion
G3358-01 Luke 6:38 μέτρῳ metro N DAT N SG measure by a measure by a measure
G3358-03 John 3:34 μέτρου metrou N GEN N SG measure of measure of measure
G3358-02 Romans 12:3 μέτρον metron N ACC N SG measure a measured portion a measured portion
G3358-02 2 Corinthians 10:13 μέτρον metron N ACC N SG measure a measured portion a measured portion
G3358-03 2 Corinthians 10:13 μέτρου metrou N GEN N SG measure of measure of measure
G3358-02 Ephesians 4:7 μέτρον metron N ACC N SG measure a measured portion a measured portion
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