Unveiling the Word
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for unlocking the depth and nuance of Scripture. The Greek word κριθή (krithē) holds particular significance as it refers to “barley,” an essential grain in both ancient and biblical times. Its appearance in Revelation 6:6 is especially poignant, depicting a time of economic hardship where food scarcity and inflation affect daily living. In ancient Greek culture, barley was a staple food, often associated with the poor due to its affordability compared to wheat. Understanding this term helps contextualize the socio-economic conditions in biblical narratives and ancient Greek life.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κριθή (krithē) [kree-THAY]
Etymology: The word κριθή is derived from a probable ancient root related to agriculture, specifically denoting “barley.” Barley was one of the earliest domesticated grains, widely cultivated throughout the ancient world, including the Near East and Mediterranean regions.
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Part of Speech: Noun. κριθή is a feminine noun in Greek, typically used in contexts involving agriculture, food production, and economic references. It follows the first declension pattern in Greek grammar.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
Barley: The primary meaning of κριθή is “barley,” a grain that was fundamental to ancient diets. It was often considered a staple for the lower classes, as it was cheaper than wheat and more resilient in harsher growing conditions.
Measure of Barley: In some contexts, κριθή can refer to a “measure of barley,” particularly in economic or transactional settings, like Revelation 6:6, where the price of barley is mentioned in a prophetic vision about scarcity and economic imbalance.
Exploring Similar Words
Πυρός (pyros) [PY-ros]: Refers to “wheat,” another staple grain in the ancient world. Unlike κριθή, which is associated with barley and is often cheaper, πυρός is more expensive and linked with more prosperous conditions.
Σῖτος (sitos) [SEE-tos]: Another term for “grain” in general, which can encompass barley, wheat, and other cereals. While κριθή specifies barley, σῖτος is more generic.
Ἄλφιτον (alphiton) [AL-fi-ton]: Refers specifically to “barley meal” or “barley flour,” a more processed form of κριθή used in bread-making. This word focuses on the culinary use rather than the raw grain.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Case, Number, Gender: κριθή is a feminine noun that follows the first declension pattern. It appears in various grammatical cases depending on its function in a sentence.
Declension: The declension of κριθή is as follows:
| Case | Singular |
|---|---|
| Nominative | κριθή |
| Genitive | κριθῆς |
| Dative | κριθῇ |
| Accusative | κριθήν |
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Studying Lexicon Insights
The word κριθή in the New Testament is found in contexts that highlight scarcity and economic distress, such as Revelation 6:6, which reads, “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley (κριθή) for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.'” This passage uses κριθή to illustrate the dire situation where basic foodstuffs become disproportionately expensive, underscoring the impact of famine or economic turmoil. Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, and LSJ provide insights into the agricultural and economic connotations of the word, as well as its metaphorical usage in apocalyptic literature to convey scarcity and hardship.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
Revelation 6:6: “And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley (κριθή) for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.'”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text with Greek Word |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He ate bread made from barley (κριθή) along with honey and wine.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The Egyptians consider barley (κριθή) bread to be for the lower classes.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “The soldiers were given a ration of barley (κριθή) as they traveled.” |
| Septuagint | Judges (LXX) | “And the barley (κριθή) was prepared for the burnt offering.” |
| Septuagint | Ruth (LXX) | “Boaz gave Ruth an ephah of barley (κριθή) to take home.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Kings (LXX) | “A man from Baal-Shalishah brought barley (κριθή) to Elisha.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word κριθή (krithē) holds significant meaning in both the New Testament and classical literature, representing barley, a critical agricultural product in ancient economies. Its use in Revelation 6:6 emphasizes scarcity and economic instability, adding depth to the apocalyptic imagery of the text. In ancient Greek culture, barley was seen as food for the common people, further emphasizing the socio-economic divide and its symbolism in Scripture.
Did You Know?
Did you know? Barley was one of the first grains to be domesticated and cultivated by ancient civilizations, dating back over 10,000 years.
Did you know? In ancient Greece, barley was used not only for food but also for brewing beer, which was less common than wine but still enjoyed by certain groups.
Did you know? Barley was often associated with sustenance during times of war and famine, providing a reliable, though less desirable, alternative to wheat.
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