Brief Overview of σάτον (Strong’s G4568: saton)

Strong’s G4568: A Hebrew measure of dry capacity, equivalent to approximately 13 liters or 1.5 pecks. Used in Jesus’ parable of the leaven to illustrate the transformative power of the kingdom, where three measures would feed about 100 people, signifying abundance.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σάτον represents a common household measure in first-century Palestine. In Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:21, Jesus uses this familiar measurement in His parable of the leaven, where three measures of flour represent a substantial amount – enough to feed a large gathering. The early church saw deep significance in both the quantity (suggesting abundance) and its use in describing the kingdom’s growth. Today, this measurement continues to illustrate how God’s kingdom work, though starting small, produces abundant results.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σάτον, saton, /sat’-on/
• Pronunciation Guide: ‘sat’ as in ‘satellite’, ‘on’ as in ‘on’
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Greek transliteration of Hebrew סְאָה (se’ah)
• Related to Aramaic סאתא (sata)
• Represents standard measure in ancient Near East

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: A measure of dry goods
• Secondary meaning: Standard baking measure
• Cultural meaning: Household quantity unit

Translation Options:

• Seah – Hebrew measurement term
• Measure – General English equivalent
• Peck – Approximate modern equivalent

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μόδιος (modios) /mod’-ee-os/ – Roman dry measure. See G3426
• κόρος (koros) /kor’-os/ – Larger measure of capacity. See G2884

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a noun:

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

Examples:

• Singular: σάτον
• Plural: σάτα
• Genitive: σάτου
• Dative: σάτῳ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines σάτον as equivalent to Hebrew seah. Thayer’s notes its use in daily life. LSJ traces its Semitic origins. Vine’s emphasizes its significance in Jesus’ parables. Strong’s connects it to Hebrew measurements. Moulton and Milligan document its use in everyday commerce.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 13:33: “Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures [σάτα] of meal, till the whole was leavened.”

Additional References:
Luke 13:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σάτον beautifully illustrates how Jesus used common measurements to convey spiritual truth. The three measures in His parable represent abundance and completeness, showing how the kingdom of God works thoroughly and extensively. This proclaims the good news that God’s kingdom, though starting small like leaven, will thoroughly transform and produce abundant results.

D – Did You Know?

1. Three sata of flour was the amount Sarah prepared for heavenly visitors
2. This measure was the standard amount for a daily household baking
3. The total amount mentioned in Jesus’ parable would feed about 100 people

Strong’s G4568: A Hebrew dry measure (about 13 liters) used in everyday life. Appears in Jesus’ parables to illustrate kingdom principles using familiar household quantities, emphasizing the thoroughness and abundance of God’s work.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: measurements, parables, kingdom-of-god, leaven, abundance, daily-life, transformation, jewish-culture, household-measures, biblical-quantities​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​