Brief Overview of στάδιον (Strong’s G4712: stadion)

Strong’s G4712: A Greek unit of length measuring approximately 600 feet (185 meters), also referring to a race course of this length. In New Testament usage, it serves both as a precise measurement and metaphorically in discussions of spiritual racing/competition.

U- Unveiling the Word

στάδιον holds dual significance as both a unit of measurement and a place of athletic competition. Originally denoting the length of the standard Greek race course (approximately 600 feet), it became a fixed unit of distance measurement throughout the ancient world. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal contexts (measuring distances) and undergirds metaphorical language about the Christian life as a race. Early church fathers extensively used this athletic imagery, drawing from the familiar στάδιον to illustrate spiritual discipline and perseverance. Today, it reminds believers that the Christian life requires focused training, determined effort, and a clear goal.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στάδιον, stadion, STAD-ee-on
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + ad (as in add) + ee (as in see) + on (as in on)
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• From ἵστημι (histēmi) – to stand
• -ιον (-ion) suffix – forms diminutive or place nouns
• Indicates fixed distance or place of standing

D – Defining Meanings

• Unit of distance (600 feet/185 meters)
• Race course of this length
• Athletic stadium
• Running track

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

Translation Options:

• “Furlong” – traditional English equivalent
• “Stadium” – emphasizes location aspect
• “Race course” – highlights athletic usage

E – Exploring Similar Words

• δρόμος (dromos) [DROM-os] – course, race – See G1408
• δίαυλος (diaulos) [DEE-ow-los] – double race course – See G1327
• ἱππόδρομος (hippodromos) [hip-POD-rom-os] – horse racing track – See G2462

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στάδιον (a stadium)
• Genitive plural: σταδίων (of stadia)
• Accusative singular: στάδιον (a stadium)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both distance and location meanings. Thayer’s notes its precise measurement value. LSJ documents extensive athletic usage. Vine’s connects it to spiritual race imagery. Strong’s highlights its connection to standing firm. LEH traces Septuagint measurement usage. Moulton and Milligan show common usage in distance calculations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Luke 24:13: “Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was sixty furlongs [στάδιον] from Jerusalem.”

Additional References:
John 6:19, John 11:18, 1 Corinthians 9:24, Revelation 14:20, Revelation 21:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στάδιον reminds us that the Christian life is like a race requiring preparation, discipline, and endurance. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah has marked out our course and that He Himself is both our goal and our prize. This word challenges us to run with purpose, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

D – Did You Know?

• The Olympic stadium in Athens was exactly one στάδιον in length
• Ancient surveyors used the στάδιον as a standard unit for city planning
• Early Christian baptisteries were sometimes called στάδια, symbolizing the start of the Christian race

Strong’s G4712: A Greek unit of length measuring approximately 600 feet (185 meters), also referring to a race course of this length. In New Testament usage, it serves both as a precise measurement and metaphorically in discussions of spiritual racing/competition.

Part of speech: Noun (neuter)

Tags: measurement, distance, athletics, racing, competition, spiritual-discipline, Olympic-games, ancient-sports, biblical-measurements, Christian-life, perseverance, running-the-race, ancient-athletics, biblical-metaphors, spiritual-competition​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​