Unveiling the Word
In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in Scripture can reveal deeper insights into the text’s meaning and context. The Greek word κριθίνος (krithinos) is particularly significant as it refers to something made from barley, specifically “barley bread.” Its mention in John 6:9, during the account of Jesus feeding the 5,000, highlights the humble provisions that were miraculously multiplied to feed a vast crowd. This term provides a glimpse into the diet and socio-economic conditions of ancient cultures, where barley was a staple food for the lower classes.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κρίθινος (krithinos) [kree-THEE-nos]
Etymology: The word κριθίνος derives from the root κριθή (krithē), which means “barley.” The suffix -ινος indicates a relation to or made of something, hence “barley bread.” Barley was one of the first cultivated grains and was widely grown in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean regions, often considered a more affordable alternative to wheat.
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Part of Speech: Adjective. κριθίνος is an adjective in Greek, describing something related to or made of barley. It typically modifies nouns such as “bread” or “loaves” (as in John 6:9) and conforms to the declension patterns of Greek adjectives.
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Defining Meanings
Barley Bread: The primary meaning of κριθίνος is “made of barley,” commonly referring to “barley bread.” This type of bread was considered a common food, especially among the poorer classes, due to the cheaper cost of barley compared to wheat.
Relating to Barley: κριθίνος can also generally mean “of barley” or “related to barley.” It could be used to describe any food or item derived from barley, but in the New Testament, it is specifically used for bread.
Exploring Similar Words
Πυρίτης (pyrites) [py-REE-tees]: Refers to “wheat bread,” distinguishing it from κριθίνος. Wheat bread was considered superior and more expensive than barley bread in ancient times.
ἄρτος (artos) [AR-tos]: This word means “bread” in general, without specifying the type of grain. While κριθίνος specifically denotes barley bread, ἄρτος could refer to any bread.
σῖτος (sitos) [SEE-tos]: A term for “grain” or “corn,” encompassing both barley and wheat. Unlike κριθίνος, which specifies barley, σῖτος is more generic.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Case, Number, Gender: κριθίνος is an adjective and agrees with the noun it modifies in case, number, and gender. It can appear in various forms depending on the noun it describes. For example, when modifying a masculine noun in the nominative singular, it appears as κριθίνος; for a feminine noun, it becomes κριθίνη; and for a neuter noun, it is κριθίνον.
Declension: The declension of κριθίνος is as follows:
| Case | Masculine | Feminine | Neuter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κριθίνος | κριθίνη | κριθίνον |
| Genitive | κριθίνου | κριθίνης | κριθίνου |
| Dative | κριθίνῳ | κριθίνῃ | κριθίνῳ |
| Accusative | κριθίνον | κριθίνην | κριθίνον |
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Studying Lexicon Insights
In the New Testament, κριθίνος appears in John 6:9, where a boy offers “five barley loaves” to Jesus. This passage demonstrates the humble origins of the bread that Jesus miraculously multiplies to feed thousands. Lexicons like BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ provide insights into how κριθίνος reflects the socio-economic backdrop of the time—where barley was a staple for the lower classes and often used in times of scarcity. This context enriches the understanding of the miracle narrative by emphasizing the modest resources that God uses to perform great wonders.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
John 6:9: “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves (κριθίνοι) and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He broke off a piece of barley bread (κριθίνου) to share.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The soldiers ate barley bread (κριθίνου) as they prepared for battle.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “They were given barley bread (κριθίνου) as a daily ration.” |
| Septuagint | Leviticus (LXX) | “The offering shall include barley bread (κριθίνου).” |
| Septuagint | Judges (LXX) | “The barley bread (κριθίνου) fell into the camp of Midian.” |
| Septuagint | Ezekiel (LXX) | “You shall eat it as barley bread (κριθίνου) before the people.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word κριθίνος (krithinos) refers to barley bread, a humble yet significant food item in biblical and ancient Greek culture. Its use in John 6:9 highlights themes of provision, humility, and God’s ability to use modest means to achieve great ends. In classical literature, it often denotes food for common people or soldiers, further underlining its association with simplicity and sustenance.
Did You Know?
Did you know? Barley bread was often seen as a symbol of humility and modesty in ancient times, especially compared to wheat bread, which was considered more luxurious.
Did you know? In some ancient cultures, barley bread was thought to provide more energy and stamina than wheat bread, making it a preferred food for soldiers.
Did you know? Barley bread is mentioned in various texts outside the Bible, such as in Homer’s Iliad, where it is given to warriors as a staple food.
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