Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies can unlock deeper meanings in the texts, providing richer insights into their cultural, historical, and theological contexts. The Greek word κέρμα (kerma) is particularly significant because it refers to “small coins” or “money” and appears in the context of Jesus cleansing the Temple, where money exchange played a controversial role. The usage of κέρμα highlights not only the economic activities of ancient Judea but also theological concerns about the purity of worship and the exploitation of religious spaces.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: κέρμα (kerma), pronounced [KER-mah].

Etymology: The word κέρμα comes from the verb κέρνυμι (kernymi), which means “to cut” or “to strike.” This etymology reflects the process of minting or cutting small pieces of metal to create coins. The root emphasizes the physical action involved in making small, exchangeable money, thus connecting the term directly to the world of trade and commerce.

Part of Speech: κέρμα is a neuter noun. Grammatically, it follows the patterns of the third declension in Greek. It is used in the singular and plural forms to refer to small coins, particularly those used in transactions or for exchange in marketplaces or the Temple.

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Defining Meanings

1. Small Coin or Money: The primary meaning of κέρμα is a “small coin,” typically one of lesser value, used in everyday transactions. It is akin to “change” in modern contexts, emphasizing its utility in minor exchanges rather than large sums.
2. Medium of Exchange: κέρμα also denotes a “medium of exchange” more broadly. In contexts like the Temple cleansing narrative, it represents the commodification of religious practices, where spiritual devotion intersects with economic activity.
3. Trade or Commerce: By extension, κέρμα can be understood in relation to trade or commerce, highlighting the frequent and necessary use of small coins in daily transactions, both sacred and secular.

Exploring Similar Words

• ἀργύριον (argyrion) [ar-GOO-ree-on]: Refers to “silver” or “money” in a broader sense, especially coins made of silver, often representing more substantial sums compared to κέρμα, which denotes smaller denominations.
• δηνάριον (denarion) [deh-NA-ree-on]: Refers to a “denarius,” a Roman coin equivalent to a day’s wage. Unlike κέρμα, which signifies small change, δηνάριον often indicates a more significant sum.
• χαλκός (chalkos) [khal-KOS]: Meaning “bronze” or “copper,” this term also refers to coins made of these metals, but more generally emphasizes the material rather than the value or denomination like κέρμα.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• κέρμα is a neuter noun in the third declension.
• It appears in various cases: nominative (κέρμα), genitive (κέρματος), dative (κέρματι), and accusative (κέρμα) in singular form.
• The plural forms are nominative/accusative (κέρματα), genitive (κερμάτων), and dative (κερμάσι).

Declension:

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Studying Lexicon Insights

κέρμα is generally understood in the New Testament as referring to small coins or money, particularly in the context of economic transactions. In the Gospel of John (2:15), it is used to describe the coins scattered by Jesus during the cleansing of the Temple, symbolizing the rejection of the commercialization of sacred spaces. In classical contexts, κέρμα retains its association with small monetary values, appearing in discussions about trade, daily commerce, and economic exchanges. This term’s theological implications emerge particularly in contexts that critique the intertwining of economic interests with religious practices.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. John 2:15: “And He made a scourge of cords, and drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; and He poured out the coins [κέρματα] of the money changers and overturned their tables.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

κέρμα plays a critical role in both economic and theological contexts in the New Testament. Its use in the story of the cleansing of the Temple underscores the tension between sacred devotion and economic gain. By understanding this term, readers can appreciate the nuanced critique of religious practices that exploit economic activities for personal gain, a theme that resonates throughout both ancient Greek culture and biblical teaching.

Did You Know?

• The word κέρμα comes from the idea of “cutting” metal, reflecting the early practices of minting coins.
• In the Gospel of John, Jesus’ action of scattering the κέρματα serves as a prophetic act against the commercialization of worship.
• In ancient Greek marketplaces, κέρματα were the most commonly used form of currency for daily transactions, underscoring their significance in everyday life.