Brief Overview of στάχυς (Strong’s G4719: stachys)

Strong’s G4719: A masculine noun referring to an ear of grain or head of wheat. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts highlighting both agricultural practices and spiritual teachings, particularly in Jesus’ discussions about Sabbath observance and in parables about spiritual growth.

U- Unveiling the Word

στάχυς carries both literal and metaphorical significance in biblical usage. As a basic agricultural term, it represents the mature grain head ready for harvest. In the New Testament, it appears prominently in the controversy over Sabbath observance when Jesus’ disciples plucked grain, and in the parable of the growing seed. Early church fathers saw in the στάχυς a symbol of spiritual maturity and the gradual process of Christian growth. Today, it continues to illustrate how spiritual life develops naturally through stages, just as grain progresses from blade to full ear.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στάχυς, stachys, STAKH-oos
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + akh (as in Bach) + oos (as in loose)
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine)

Etymology:

• Ancient agricultural term
• Possibly related to Proto-Indo-European *steg- (pole, stem)
• No prefixes or suffixes in base form

D – Defining Meanings

• Ear of grain
• Head of wheat
• Mature grain stalk
• Ripened cereal crop

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “Ear of grain” – emphasizes mature form
• “Head of wheat” – specifies common grain type
• “Grain head” – general agricultural term

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σῖτος (sitos) [SEE-tos] – wheat, grain in general – See G4621
• σπόρος (sporos) [SPO-ros] – seed for sowing – See G4703
• θερισμός (therismos) [ther-is-MOS] – harvest – See G2326

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στάχυς (ear of grain)
• Genitive singular: στάχυος (of an ear of grain)
• Accusative plural: στάχυας (ears of grain)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its agricultural context. Thayer’s notes its literal and metaphorical uses. LSJ documents extensive usage in farming contexts. Vine’s connects it to spiritual growth imagery. Strong’s highlights its basic meaning. LEH traces Septuagint agricultural usage. Moulton and Milligan show its common use in agricultural documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 12:1: “At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. And His disciples were hungry, and began to pluck heads of grain [στάχυς] and to eat.”

Additional References:
Mark 2:23, Mark 4:28

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στάχυς reminds us of God’s provision and the natural process of spiritual growth. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah brings both physical and spiritual nourishment to His people. This word teaches us that spiritual maturity, like the growth of grain, follows a divine pattern and requires patience and proper conditions.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient agricultural calendars marking harvest times
• Early Christian art used ears of grain to symbolize the Eucharist
• Jewish tradition required leaving fallen ears of grain for the poor to glean

Strong’s G4719: A masculine noun referring to an ear of grain or head of wheat. In New Testament usage, it appears in contexts highlighting both agricultural practices and spiritual teachings, particularly in Jesus’ discussions about Sabbath observance and in parables about spiritual growth.

Part of speech: Noun (masculine)

Tags: grain, agriculture, harvest, sabbath, spiritual-growth, farming, wheat, crops, parables, Jesus-teaching, agricultural-imagery, provision, food, sustenance, harvest-metaphors​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​