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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words like λίθινος (lithinos) is essential for Biblical studies as it opens up a clearer comprehension of the cultural and material world of the New Testament era. The word λίθινος appears in John 2:6, describing the stone water jars used during the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle. This term provides insight into everyday objects of the time and is significant for understanding the tangible elements of Biblical narratives. The use of λίθινος also offers a glimpse into ancient practices, materials, and their symbolic or practical roles in religious and social contexts.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: λίθινος (lithinos) [pronunciation: lee-THEE-nos].

Etymology: The word λίθινος derives from the Greek root λίθος (lithos), which means “stone.” The suffix -ινος indicates that the word is an adjective, generally meaning “made of” or “pertaining to” something. Thus, λίθινος literally translates to “made of stone” or “stone-like.”

Part of Speech: Adjective. As an adjective, λίθινος describes a characteristic or quality of a noun, specifically indicating that something is composed of stone or resembles stone in some way. It follows the typical declension patterns for Greek adjectives.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. Made of Stone: The primary meaning of λίθινος is “made of stone,” used to describe objects or vessels crafted from stone, such as stone jars or tablets.
2. Stone-Like: A secondary meaning could be “stone-like,” referring to something that possesses the qualities or hardness of stone, though this usage is less common.

Exploring Similar Words

1. λιθός (lithos) [pronunciation: LEE-thos]: The root word meaning “stone.” Unlike λίθινος, which is an adjective, λιθός is a noun that directly refers to a stone or rock itself.
2. πετρώδης (petrodes) [pronunciation: pe-TRO-des]: An adjective meaning “rocky” or “full of rocks.” It is used in different contexts, often to describe terrain rather than crafted objects.
3. στερεός (stereos) [pronunciation: ste-RE-os]: This word means “solid” or “firm” and is used to describe something sturdy or unyielding, which may share conceptual similarity but lacks the specific reference to stone.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective, λίθινος follows the declension pattern of Greek adjectives:

Case, Number, Gender:

• Nominative Singular (Masculine/Feminine/Neuter): λίθινος, λίθινη, λίθινον
• Genitive Singular: λιθίνου, λιθίνης, λιθίνου
• Dative Singular: λιθίνῳ, λιθίνῃ, λιθίνῳ
• Accusative Singular: λίθινον, λίθινην, λίθινον
• Plural Forms: Similarly follow the patterns for each case and gender.

For more on reading and understanding Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term λίθινος appears in various Greek lexicons as a descriptive term for objects made of stone, with particular attention to its usage in the New Testament, such as in John 2:6 to describe stone water jars used in a purification ritual. The word can carry connotations of permanence, durability, and purity, fitting the narrative of the miracle at Cana, where these stone jars become central to Jesus’ transformation of water into wine. Theologically, the term may also hint at the transformation of old practices into new revelations of faith. In classical Greek literature, λίθινος similarly denotes objects made of stone, often emphasizing their durability or use in sacred or public contexts.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. John 2:6 – “Now there were six stone [λίθιναι] water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.”
2. 2 Corinthians 3:3 – “You are a letter from Christ, delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone [λίθιναις] but on tablets of human hearts.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek adjective λίθινος (lithinos) provides valuable insight into the material culture of the New Testament period. It illustrates how ordinary items, like stone jars, were used to signify deeper spiritual truths in the Gospels. Understanding such terms helps to bridge the historical and theological contexts of ancient texts, allowing modern readers to appreciate the layers of meaning that these words carry.

Did You Know?

• Fact 1: The stone jars described as λίθινος in John 2:6 could each hold up to 120 liters, making them massive by today’s standards.
• Fact 2: Stone vessels were preferred in Jewish purification rituals because they were considered less likely to contract ritual impurity than ceramic ones.
• Fact 3: Inscriptions carved on λίθινος tablets have been discovered from both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, reflecting their importance in both civic and religious life.