Introduction

In biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words helps uncover deeper meanings and contexts often lost in translation. The Greek word καλάμη (kalámē) is significant for interpreting agricultural and metaphorical imagery in the New Testament. Commonly translated as “stalk” or “straw,” καλάμη is tied to agrarian practices and symbolizes fragility or transience. Knowing its use enhances understanding of scriptural metaphors and offers insights into ancient Greek agricultural life.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: καλάμη, transliterated as kalámē, pronounced [ka-LAH-may].
• Etymology: Derived from the root word κάλαμος (kálamos), meaning “reed” or “stalk.”
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine); first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Stalk: Refers to the stem of a plant, especially grain plants like wheat or barley.
• Straw: Used to describe the dried stalks left after threshing.

Similar Words: κάλαμος (kálamos) [KA-la-mos], meaning “reed” or “cane.” While καλάμη specifically refers to the dried stalks of harvested grains, κάλαμος can refer to a broader range of reed-like plants used for writing, measuring, or weaving.

Further Insights: καλάμη is a first declension feminine noun. It is generally used to depict fragility or something easily broken or blown away, highlighting its metaphorical use in scripture. Below is the declension table for καλάμη:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines καλάμη as “stalk” or “straw,” particularly used to refer to the remnants of grain plants after the harvest.
• Thayers: Explains it as “straw” or “chaff,” highlighting its use in metaphorical language for things that are lightweight or without substance.
• Vines: Emphasizes the word’s association with agricultural practices, where it denotes the dry stalks left over after grain harvesting.
• LSJ: Notes its usage in classical Greek for similar agricultural contexts, where it describes both literal and metaphorical fragility.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists καλάμη as “straw,” aligning with its common appearances in contexts related to farming and harvesting.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 3:12: “His winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will thoroughly clear His threshing floor; and He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn up the chaff [καλάμη] with unquenchable fire.”

Classical Usage

Summary of καλάμη (G2562)

The Greek word καλάμη carries essential agrarian and metaphorical significance in both the New Testament and classical Greek literature. It predominantly describes the stalks of plants, particularly grains, and is often used metaphorically to convey fragility, transience, or worthlessness. Understanding καλάμη helps deepen one’s appreciation for biblical metaphors and provides a clearer picture of the agrarian lifestyle prevalent in ancient Greek culture.

Did You Know?

• καλάμη was often burned after threshing, signifying its lack of value once the grain was harvested.
• In the Septuagint, καλάμη is used to symbolize the frailty of human life in contrast to divine permanence.
• The word καλάμη also appears in early Christian writings to symbolize the separation of good from evil in eschatological contexts.