Divine Judgment: ταλαντιαῖος (Strong’s G5006: talantiāios) Reveals Heaven’s Mighty Power

Strong’s G5006: An adjective meaning “weighing a talent” (about 100 pounds), ταλαντιαῖος describes massive hailstones in Revelation’s judgment scene. Its use emphasizes the overwhelming magnitude of divine judgment through supernatural phenomena.

U- Unveiling the Word

ταλαντιαῖος represents extraordinary divine power manifested in judgment. In its New Testament context, it appears in Revelation’s description of the seventh bowl judgment, where massive hailstones demonstrate God’s supernatural intervention in human affairs. The term’s precision in weight measurement (approximately 100 pounds) emphasizes the literal and overwhelming nature of this divine judgment. The early church understood this term as expressing both God’s power to judge and His sovereignty over natural elements. Today, it continues to remind believers of God’s ability to use creation itself as an instrument of His purposes and the reality of His coming judgment.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ταλαντιαῖος, talantiāios, /ta-lan-tee-AI-os/
• Phonetic Guide: “ta” as in “father,” “lan” as in “land,” “tee” as in “tea,” “ai” as in “eye,” “os” as in “moss”
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• From τάλαντον (talanton) – noun meaning “talent” (weight measure)
• -αῖος (-aios) – adjectival suffix indicating “pertaining to”

D – Defining Meanings

• Weighing a talent (about 100 pounds)
• Talent-heavy
• Of talent weight

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derived from τάλαντον with adjectival suffix -αῖος

Translation Options:

• Talent-weight – emphasizes specific measurement
• Hundred-pound – provides modern equivalent
• Massive – captures impact in context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τάλαντον (talanton) /TAL-an-ton/ – “talent” (as weight or money)
  See G5007
• βαρύς (barus) /ba-ROOS/ – “heavy” in general sense
  See G926

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Variable
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Masculine/Feminine/Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

As an adjective, it agrees with its noun in case, number, and gender. In English translations, it typically appears as a compound phrase (“talent-weight”) or is converted to modern weight equivalents.

• Cross-references: τάλαντον (talanton) – “talent”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes ταλαντιαῖος’s specific weight designation, noting its unique appearance in Revelation’s judgment scene. Thayer’s explores its derivation from τάλαντον, highlighting its precise measurement implications. LSJ documents its use in classical Greek for exact weight specifications, providing context for its apocalyptic application. Vine’s notes its singular New Testament usage, connecting it to divine judgment’s physicality. Strong’s emphasizes its connection to the talent weight standard. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its use in commercial documents, showing its precision in weight measurement contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Revelation 16:21: “And great hail, each stone about [ταλαντιαῖος] the weight of a talent, fell from heaven upon mankind.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ταλαντιαῖος powerfully illustrates the magnitude of divine judgment through its precise weight measurement. This word appears in Revelation’s climactic judgment scene, emphasizing the supernatural and overwhelming nature of God’s intervention. The good news shines through as we realize that the Messiah offers shelter from such judgment. While this term describes severe judgment, it reminds us that God’s power over creation serves His ultimate purpose of establishing His righteous kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. A talent weight could vary from 58 to 100 pounds depending on the measurement system.
2. The term was commonly used in ancient military contexts for describing siege ammunition.
3. Ancient weather records never documented hail approaching this massive size naturally.

Strong’s G5006: An adjective meaning “weighing a talent” (about 100 pounds), ταλαντιαῖος describes massive hailstones in Revelation’s judgment scene. Its use emphasizes the overwhelming magnitude of divine judgment through supernatural phenomena.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: divine judgment, Revelation, hailstones, supernatural phenomena, divine power, apocalyptic signs, talent weight, natural disasters, end times, judgment day​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​