Brief Overview of σπυρίς (Strong’s G4711: spyris)

Strong’s G4711: A large woven basket specifically used for food storage and transport, distinct from other basket types in the New Testament. In Gospel accounts, it appears in the feeding of the 4,000, symbolizing God’s abundant provision and the gathering of His blessings.

U- Unveiling the Word

σπυρίς represents a specific type of large wicker basket used in the ancient Mediterranean world, particularly for carrying food and provisions. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in the miracle of feeding the 4,000, where it holds symbolic significance as a vessel of divine provision. Unlike the κόφινος used in feeding the 5,000, the σπυρίς was typically larger and more substantial. Early church fathers saw in these baskets a symbol of gathering and preserving spiritual truth. Today, it reminds us of God’s abundant provision and our responsibility to carefully steward His gifts.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπυρίς, spyris, SPOO-ris
• Detailed pronunciation: sp (as in speak) + oo (as in food) + ris (as in risk)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Possibly from σπεῖρα (speira) – anything wound or twisted
• -ις (-is) suffix – forms feminine nouns
• Indicates woven or plaited construction

D – Defining Meanings

• Large wicker basket
• Provision basket
• Food hamper
• Storage basket

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

Translation Options:

• “Large basket” – emphasizes size distinction
• “Provision basket” – highlights typical use
• “Hamper” – suggests both size and purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κόφινος (kophinos) [KOF-in-os] – smaller basket – See G2894
• σαργάνη (sarganē) [sar-GAN-ay] – rope basket – See G4553
• ἀγγεῖον (angeion) [ang-GAY-on] – vessel, container – See G30

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

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

Examples:

• Nominative singular: σπυρίς (basket)
• Genitive singular: σπυρίδος (of a basket)
• Accusative plural: σπυρίδας (baskets)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its larger size compared to κόφινος. Thayer’s notes its common use for food storage. LSJ documents various uses in daily life. Vine’s highlights its appearance in miracle accounts. Strong’s connects it to woven construction. LEH traces similar vessel terms in Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan show its use in domestic contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 15:37: “So they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven large baskets [σπυρίς] full of the fragments that were left.”

Additional References:
Matthew 16:10, Mark 8:8, Mark 8:20, Acts 9:25

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σπυρίς reminds us of God’s abundant provision through the Messiah. It proclaims the good news that our King not only meets our needs but provides abundantly beyond them. The baskets of leftover fragments teach us about both divine generosity and the importance of stewarding God’s gifts carefully.

D – Did You Know?

• The σπυρίς was typically larger than the κόφινος used in feeding the 5,000
• This type of basket was commonly used by Jewish travelers for food storage
• The same type of basket was used to lower Paul over the Damascus wall

Strong’s G4711: A large woven basket specifically used for food storage and transport, distinct from other basket types in the New Testament. In Gospel accounts, it appears in the feeding of the 4,000, symbolizing God’s abundant provision and the gathering of His blessings.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: baskets, containers, miracles, provision, abundance, feeding-4000, daily-life, vessels, storage, supplies, Jesus-miracles, Paul-escape, practical-items, biblical-artifacts, material-culture​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​