ξέστης
xéstēs
G3582 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A liquid measure, flask, or pitcher; in Koine Greek, especially denoting a vessel of standard capacity, primarily for liquids, though also used for solids in some contexts. Generally refers either to a container used for pouring or holding fluids (such as water or wine), or, by extension, to the standardized measurement associated with such a vessel (similar to a 'quart' or 'pint'). Contextually, may signify the physical object (a jug, pitcher, or pot) or the quantity it contains.
Semantic Range
a liquid measure (approx. 0.5–0.7 L), a pitcher (container for liquids), a jug, a drinking vessel, by extension the capacity of such a vessel, specifically a unit of measurement in the Roman system (sextarius)
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: Possibly a loanword from Latin 'sextarius', signifying a measure (the sixth part of a modius, approx. 0.5–0.7 liters), though some suggest a connection to the Greek verb ξέω (to smooth, scrape) is possible, given the shape and surface of such vessels. Most evidence points to Latin origin rather than internal Greek derivation. Etymology uncertain but Latin derivation is more probable.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Historical & Contextual Notes: In the Hellenistic and Roman periods, ξέστης appears widely in papyri and inscriptions as both a vessel and a measure, often corresponding to the Roman sextarius (a volume measure, c. 0.5–0.7 liters). In Mark 7:4, the term refers to stone or earthenware vessels used in ritual washing, emphasizing their function as containers for water rather than as units of measurement. The physical vessel usage is attested in Jewish (Judean) ritual contexts, distinct from general cooking pots or storage jars, and distinct from more generic Greek words for pots (e.g. ἀγγεῖον). In later periods, ξέστης is primarily a volumetric term, especially in commercial and legal texts. Standard English Bible translations typically render the term as 'pot', 'pitcher', or 'cup', but often do not reflect the technical or ritual nuances. The association with Roman measures is a product of the Hellenistic-Roman cultural milieu.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
as if from (properly, to smooth; by implication, (of friction) to boil or heat); a vessel (as fashioned or for cooking) (or perhaps by corruption from the Latin sextarius, the sixth of a modius, i.e. about a pint), i.e. (specially), a measure for liquids or solids, (by analogy, a pitcher):--pot.
Root Family
ξέστης (xéstēs) — vessel, liquid measure, pitcher, standard capacity
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3582-01 |
ξεστῶν | xeston | N GEN M PL |
pots | of liquid measures | pitchers | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3582-01 |
Mark 7:4 | ξεστῶν | xeston | N GEN M PL |
pots | of liquid measures | pitchers |