Brief Overview of πῆχυς (Strong’s G4083: pēchus)

Strong’s G4083: A noun meaning “cubit,” a measurement from elbow to fingertip (approximately 18 inches). In biblical contexts, used metaphorically to discuss human inability to extend life through worry, and literally in measuring the New Jerusalem, representing divine precision.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πῆχυς (pēchus) primarily denotes a measurement unit based on the human forearm. In the New Testament, it appears both literally for physical measurements and metaphorically in Jesus’s teaching about anxiety and human limitations. Its use in describing both human inability to extend life and the precise measurements of the heavenly city demonstrates the contrast between human limitations and divine perfection. Early church writers used this contrast to discuss the futility of human effort versus trust in God’s perfect plan. Today, it continues to remind us of our limitations and God’s precise care.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πῆχυς, pēchus, pay’-khoos
• Detailed pronunciation: pay (as in “pay”) + khoos (as in “choose”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:
From Proto-Indo-European *bhag- referring to the forearm

D – Defining Meanings

• Cubit (measurement)
• Forearm length
• Standard measure
• Unit of length
• Arm’s length

Translation Options:

1. Cubit – traditional biblical term
2. Forearm-length – descriptive translation
3. Standard measure – functional equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• σπιθαμή (spithamē) [spith-am-ay’] – span
• ὀργυιά (orgyia) [org-wee-ah’] – fathom
• μέτρον (metron) [met’-ron] – measure

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

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

Example forms:
Nominative singular: πῆχυς
Genitive singular: πήχεως
Accusative plural: πήχεις

Cross-references:
No direct verbal or adjectival derivatives in NT

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its standardized measurement value. Thayer’s notes its use in metaphorical contexts. LSJ documents its various applications. Vine’s connects it to human limitation themes. Strong’s highlights its physical basis. Moulton and Milligan note its common use in commercial documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit [πῆχυς] to his span of life?” (Matthew 6:27)

Additional References:
Luke 12:25
John 21:8
Revelation 21:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Herodotus: Histories	“The wall measured twenty cubits [πῆχυς] in height.”
Xenophon: Anabasis	“They stood three cubits [πῆχυς] apart in formation.”
Thucydides: History	“The ship required thirty cubits [πῆχυς] of rope.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πῆχυς powerfully illustrates human limitations and divine precision. The good news of King Jesus includes freedom from anxiety about matters beyond our control and trust in God’s exact measurements and care. This word reminds us that while we cannot extend our lives through worry, God’s plans are perfectly measured.

D – Did You Know?

1. The cubit varied slightly between cultures but was standardized for temple use.
2. Early Christian architects used it in church construction symbolically.
3. It influenced medieval measurements and architectural principles.

Strong’s G4083: A noun denoting a standard measurement unit (cubit). Used both literally for physical measurements and metaphorically to illustrate human limitations versus divine precision in Jesus’s teachings and apocalyptic literature.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #measurement #cubit #anxiety #limitation #divine #precision #Jesus #teaching #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #trust​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​