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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is vital for grasping the deeper meanings and nuances in scripture. The Greek word κόρος (koros) appears in the New Testament and offers insights into the agricultural and economic practices of the ancient world. Used in the context of measuring grain or produce, koros provides a lens through which we can better understand the socioeconomic realities of the biblical era. This word also helps in interpreting parables and teachings that rely on everyday experiences and material exchanges to convey spiritual truths.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: κόρος (koros) [KO-ros].

Etymology: The word koros is of Semitic origin, tracing back to the Hebrew word “kor” (כֹּר), which denotes a measure of capacity for grain or other dry goods. This demonstrates how the Greek language often incorporated foreign terms, especially for technical or trade-related contexts.

Part of Speech: Noun. Koros is a masculine noun that falls under the third declension in Greek grammar. It is primarily used as a technical term to denote a specific unit of measurement.

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Defining Meanings

1. Measure of Capacity: In its primary meaning, koros refers to a measure of volume used for dry goods, particularly grain. This measure was roughly equivalent to about 10-12 bushels or approximately 220 liters, depending on the region and period.
2. Economic and Trade Context: Beyond the literal sense of a measurement, koros also denotes the commercial activities and transactions that revolved around agricultural produce in the ancient world. Understanding its usage helps contextualize economic parables, such as those involving stewards and debts, as seen in Luke 16:7.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μέτρον (metron) [MEH-tron]: A more general term for “measure,” which can refer to any standard unit of length, volume, or capacity. Unlike koros, which is specifically for dry goods, metron is broader and used in various contexts, from measuring the length of a journey to the capacity of a vessel.
2. μόδιος (modios) [MO-dee-os]: Another term for a unit of measure, specifically a bushel or peck. Modios is often used in contexts that involve storing or hiding grain, such as in the parable of the lamp under a bushel (Matthew 5:15). It is smaller than a koros and thus indicates a lesser quantity.
3. σάτος (satos) [SAH-tos]: Refers to a measure of dry goods but is smaller than both koros and modios. It is generally understood as a measure for finer grains or specific types of flour, often used in cooking or baking contexts.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:
Koros is a masculine noun. The following table shows its declension:

Declension: As a third-declension noun, koros follows specific patterns in its case endings, crucial for understanding its grammatical role in sentences.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The word koros appears in various Greek lexicons, each offering unique insights into its use and meaning in both biblical and classical contexts. In the New Testament, its use in Luke 16:7 highlights a debt transaction where a steward reduces the debt of his master’s debtor by “a hundred measures of wheat,” demonstrating economic practices and values of the time. Theologically, koros is used to illustrate the principles of stewardship, mercy, and forgiveness in Jesus’ teachings. In classical Greek, it retains its technical use as a measure but can also carry connotations related to abundance or satiety, especially in literature that discusses feasts or provisions. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Luke 16:7: “Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ So he said, ‘A hundred measures [κόρους] of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’” This passage uses koros to convey the debt owed and the reduction offered by the steward, serving as a parable about mercy and resourcefulness.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word koros is an essential term in biblical studies for understanding economic and agricultural practices in ancient societies. Its usage in the New Testament, especially in parables, helps convey spiritual lessons rooted in everyday life experiences. The study of koros also sheds light on trade, commerce, and social interactions in the ancient world, providing depth to biblical and classical narratives.

Did You Know?

1. The term koros was used not only in Greek but also in Roman and Jewish contexts, showing its versatility and widespread adoption.
2. In the Roman Empire, a koros of wheat was often used as a form of taxation or tribute payment.
3. The concept of measuring grain, as implied by koros, was vital in illustrating themes of fairness, stewardship, and mercy in biblical teachings.