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μνᾶ

mnâ

G3414 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A standard unit of weight and value, known as a mina (μνᾶ), used as a measure of monetary value or physical weight. In context, it typically refers to a fixed quantity of silver or gold depending on the economic system, often cited in relation to larger (talent) or smaller (drachma) units. In the Greco-Roman world, its value could vary by region or period.

Semantic Range

unit of weight, unit of monetary value, reckoning of assets or debts by mina

Root / Etymology

Borrowed from the Latin 'mina', which was in turn adopted from Semitic languages (e.g., Akkadian 'manû'), ultimately of ancient Near Eastern origin. The precise Indo-European root is uncertain, but the term is attested throughout the eastern Mediterranean and Near Eastern economic systems.

Historical & Contextual Notes

μνᾶ appears rarely in the New Testament (e.g., Luke 19:13ff) and is primarily an administrative or economic term rather than a day-to-day coin in popular usage. The actual weight represented by a μνᾶ varied by time and place: in the Greek system it was most commonly calculated as 100 drachmas, or approximately 400 grams (though estimates for weight fluctuate between 340–450 grams depending on local standards). In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, it functioned mainly as a unit for reckoning larger sums in contracts, records, or parables—more abstract than coins but crucial for accounting and debts. The term occurs infrequently in the Septuagint and other Koine sources, often reflecting underlying Semitic weights. The English translation 'pound' is imprecise: the Athenian mina is not equivalent to the modern pound. The term is a loanword, not a native Greek formation, and its presence signals administrative contact with Mesopotamian and Semitic accounting. Usage in the New Testament (notably in parables) presupposes an audience familiar with economic systems based on weight, not just coinage.

Translation Consistency

primary "mina" 9 occurrences

The standard English term for μνᾶ is "mina," a well-known singular unit of weight/monetary value used in Bible translations. Using the singular base "mina" ensures consistent rendering across forms (pluralization can be handled by inflection rules) and accurately reflects the typical sense of the Greek term as a fixed monetary/weight unit distinct from talents or drachmas.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Latin origin; a mna (i.e. mina), a certain weight:-- pound.

Root Family

μνᾶ (mnā) — fixed weight, monetary unit, mina

Root μνᾶ- fixed weight, monetary unit, mina

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3414-03 μνᾶς mnas N ACC F PL minas minas minas 5
G3414-01 μνᾶ mna N NOM F SG mina a mina mina 3
G3414-02 μνᾶν mnan N ACC F SG mina a mina mina 1

Occurrences in Scripture

9 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3414-03 Luke 19:13 μνᾶς mnas N ACC F PL minas minas minas
G3414-01 Luke 19:16 μνᾶ mna N NOM F SG mina a mina mina
G3414-03 Luke 19:16 μνᾶς mnas N ACC F PL minas minas minas
G3414-01 Luke 19:18 μνᾶ mna N NOM F SG mina a mina mina
G3414-03 Luke 19:18 μνᾶς mnas N ACC F PL minas minas minas
G3414-01 Luke 19:20 μνᾶ mna N NOM F SG mina a mina mina
G3414-02 Luke 19:24 μνᾶν mnan N ACC F SG mina a mina mina
G3414-03 Luke 19:24 μνᾶς mnas N ACC F PL minas minas minas
G3414-03 Luke 19:25 μνᾶς mnas N ACC F PL minas minas minas
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