πῆχυς
pēchys
G4083 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A measure of length based on the distance from the tip of the middle finger to the elbow, that is, a forearm's length; specifically, a 'cubit.' In various contexts, refers both to the anatomical forearm and to a fixed unit of measurement, with the precise value differing by cultural context (typically between approximately 44 and 52 centimeters, or about 17.3 to 20.5 inches).
Semantic Range
forearm (anatomy), cubit (unit of measurement), measurement of length
Root / Etymology
Root derives from the Greek noun πῆχυς, meaning 'forearm.' Cognate with other Indo-European terms for the forearm as a basis for linear measurement; related to Latin 'cubitus.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek sources, πῆχυς was both the anatomical word for forearm and the standard term for a unit of length known as the 'cubit.' The cubit as a measuring standard varied regionally: the 'common cubit' (πεῖχυς κοινός) was about 18 inches (45 cm), while the 'royal cubit' could be longer, up to 20.5 inches (52 cm). The Septuagint uses πῆχυς to translate the Hebrew אַמָּה ('ammah'), which carried similar variation. In New Testament usage, πῆχυς refers exclusively to the measure of length, not to the body part. English translations as 'cubit' reflect the measurement but do not always communicate the variability in actual length according to custom or time period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of uncertain affinity; the fore-arm, i.e. (as a measure) a cubit:--cubit.
Root Family
πῆχυς (pēchys) — forearm, measure of length
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4083-02 |
πῆχυν | pechun | N ACC M SG |
a cubit | a forearm-length | a cubit | 2 |
G4083-01 |
πηχῶν | pechon | N GEN M PL |
cubits | of cubits | cubits | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4083-02 |
Matthew 6:27 | πῆχυν | pechun | N ACC M SG |
cubit | a forearm-length | a forearm-length |
G4083-02 |
Luke 12:25 | πῆχυν | pechun | N ACC M SG |
a cubit | a forearm-length | a cubit |
G4083-01 |
John 21:8 | πηχῶν | pechon | N GEN M PL |
cubits | of cubits | cubits |
G4083-01 |
Revelation 21:17 | πηχῶν | pechon | N GEN M PL |
cubits | of cubits | cubits |