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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words like κέραμος (keramos) is essential for deepening one’s grasp of Biblical texts. The term keramos, translated as “clay” or “pottery,” holds both literal and symbolic significance in Scripture. It connects readers to the ancient world’s daily life and provides insight into the cultural context of the New Testament era. In Biblical interpretation, keramos often illustrates the fragility of human life and the transformative power of God, who molds and shapes His people like a potter works with clay.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κέραμος (keramos), pronounced [KEH-rah-mos].

Etymology: The word κέραμος is derived from the root keras, meaning “horn,” but in its extended form, it refers to “pottery” or “clay.” This connection to pottery is indicative of its usage in the ancient world, where it specifically denoted earthenware or ceramic materials used for making vessels, tiles, and bricks.

Part of Speech: κέραμος is a masculine noun. It follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar, which affects its endings depending on the case, number, and function in a sentence.

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

Defining Meanings

The primary meaning of κέραμος is “clay” or “pottery.” In ancient Greek culture, clay was a fundamental material used for crafting everyday objects such as jars, pots, tiles, and bricks. In the New Testament, keramos is mentioned in contexts that emphasize the commonality and fragility of clay objects, which serves as a metaphor for human life in relation to divine craftsmanship.

A secondary meaning extends to “earthenware,” which refers to items made from baked clay. This includes everyday household items that were crucial for daily living in the ancient world, particularly in carrying water, storing food, or serving meals.

Exploring Similar Words

πλίνθος (plinthos) [PLIN-thos]: This word refers to “brick,” another clay-based building material but specifically shaped for construction. Unlike keramos, which can be a finished product like pottery, plinthos directly relates to brick-making and construction.

ὑδρία (hydria) [hoo-DREE-ah]: Meaning “water jar,” this term describes a specific type of clay vessel used for carrying and storing water. While related to pottery like keramos, hydria is more specialized and refers to a particular container.

σκῦφος (skyphos) [SKOO-phos]: This word denotes a “cup” or “goblet,” often made of clay but also metal. It differs from keramos in that it specifies a particular drinking vessel rather than the general material.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns/Adjectives:
Case, Number, Gender:

• Masculine Singular:
• Nominative/Accusative: κέραμος
• Genitive: κεραμοῦ
• Dative: κεραμῷ
• Masculine Plural:
• Nominative/Accusative: κέραμοι
• Genitive: κεραμῶν
• Dative: κεραμοῖς

Declension: κέραμος follows the second declension pattern, common for masculine nouns. Understanding these declensions is essential for translating and interpreting Greek texts accurately.

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

Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich insights into the usage of κέραμος across different texts and contexts. In Biblical terms, it often symbolizes human vulnerability and the divine power to mold and create. The word is used to depict how God, as the potter, shapes His people, bringing out themes of creation, transformation, and renewal. In classical literature, keramos refers broadly to any earthen material used in everyday life or construction, from household vessels to architectural elements. The theological implications suggest a message of humility and submission to divine will, as shaped by the Creator’s hands.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Matthew 27:7: “So they conferred together and bought the Potter’s Field with it as a burial place for strangers.” While the term κέραμος does not appear directly here, the reference to the “Potter’s Field” reflects the broader usage of clay and pottery as a metaphor for human impermanence.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word κεραμος offers a window into both ancient daily life and deeper spiritual truths. As a term denoting “clay” or “pottery,” it represents human fragility and the transformative work of God. Its appearances in Biblical and classical texts highlight themes of creation, humility, and divine craftsmanship.

Did You Know?

• The word κεραμος is the root of “ceramic,” a term still used today to describe pottery and other clay-based products.
• In ancient Athens, the “Kerameikos” was the potter’s quarter, emphasizing the central role of pottery in Greek culture.
• Pottery shards, known as ostraka, were used in ancient Greece to cast votes in a practice called “ostracism,” demonstrating the importance of pottery in various societal functions.