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μόδιος

módios

G3426 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A dry measure of capacity, approximately equivalent to 8.75–9 liters, commonly used for grain or other dry goods; by metonymy, the container (basket or vessel) holding such a measure. In extended usage, refers to the vessel itself, often in the context of concealing or covering something (such as a lamp). Primary sense is the standardized measure; secondary sense is the container of that measure.

Semantic Range

a Roman dry-measure (about 9 liters), the vessel or basket used for measuring or holding that amount, the utensil/container (especially for covering something such as a lamp)

Root / Etymology

From the Latin 'modius,' a standard Roman dry measure; the Greek term is a direct loanword reflecting contact with Roman measurement systems during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, native dry measures (such as χοῦς, σατῶν) were more common, but in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, μόδιος reflects increasing Roman influence on daily life and material culture. In the New Testament (Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 11:33), μόδιος most often denotes not only the measure but also the specific basket or container of this size, commonly employed to store grain. The context of a 'lamp under a μόδιος' refers not to the quantity but to the everyday vessel, meaning a household basket or box with a standard volume. English translations ("bushel") reflect the older English measure that is not an exact equivalent but communicates the concept of a typical household dry-measure container. The term does not have figurative or religious meaning in classical or Koine Greek outside of this practical context. The adoption of the Latin term highlights Roman cultural dominance over metrology in the eastern Mediterranean in the first centuries BCE/CE.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of Latin origin; a modius, i.e. certain measure for things dry (the quantity or the utensil):--bushel.

Root Family

μόδιος (modios) — standard dry measure, measuring vessel, container for measured quantity

Root μοδ- standard dry measure, container for measured quantity

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3426-01 μόδιον modion N ACC M SG bushel a standard dry measure basket 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3426-01 Matthew 5:15 μόδιον modion N ACC M SG bushel a standard dry measure measuring basket
G3426-01 Mark 4:21 μόδιον modion N ACC M SG basket a standard dry measure basket
G3426-01 Luke 11:33 μόδιον modion N ACC M SG bushel a standard dry measure the standard dry measure
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