Brief Overview of σεμίδαλις (Strong’s G4585: semidalis)

Strong’s G4585: The finest wheat flour, considered a luxury item in ancient times. Used in religious offerings and high-quality bread-making, it appears in Revelation’s list of luxury trade goods, symbolizing excessive wealth and materialism in contrast to spiritual values.

U- Unveiling the Word

σεμίδαλις represents the highest quality wheat flour available in ancient times, a symbol of luxury and refinement. Its sole New Testament appearance in Revelation 18:13 occurs within the context of Babylon’s excessive materialism and impending judgment. In the Old Testament (Septuagint), it was used for grain offerings, highlighting its connection to worship. Early church writers saw its inclusion in Revelation’s list of luxuries as a warning against prioritizing material abundance over spiritual wealth. Today, it reminds us to examine our priorities and use our resources for God’s glory rather than self-indulgence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σεμίδαλις, semidalis, sem-ID-a-lis
• Detailed pronunciation: stress on second syllable: ‘sem’ as in semi, ‘ID’ as in lid, ‘a’ as in about, ‘lis’ as in list
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Likely borrowed from an unknown Mediterranean language
• No clear Greek etymological components
• Possibly related to Akkadian samīdu

D – Defining Meanings

• Finest wheat flour
• Premium quality flour for luxury bread
• Fine flour suitable for offerings

For compound words:
Not applicable as σεμίδαλις is a primary noun

Translation Options:

• “Fine flour” – Emphasizes quality
• “Premium wheat flour” – Specifies type and quality
• “Finest flour” – Stresses superior grade

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἄλευρον (aleuron, AL-eu-ron) – ordinary flour See G224
• σῖτος (sitos, SEE-tos) – wheat See G4621
• ἄρτος (artos, AR-tos) – bread See G740

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 3rd

Examples:
Nominative: σεμίδαλις
Genitive: σεμιδάλεως
Dative: σεμιδάλει
Accusative: σεμίδαλιν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines σεμίδαλις as the finest wheat flour. Thayer’s emphasizes its use in luxury bread-making. LSJ documents its appearance in trade records and culinary texts. Vine’s notes its connection to religious offerings in the Septuagint. Strong’s highlights its quality aspect. Moulton-Milligan provides evidence of its use in commercial documents as a premium commodity.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.” Revelation 18:13

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σεμίδαλις serves as a powerful symbol of how earthly luxury can distract from spiritual priorities. Its inclusion in Revelation’s critique of Babylon reminds us that material abundance often masks spiritual poverty. Jesus offers us true bread from heaven, far more valuable than the finest earthly flour, calling us to seek first His kingdom rather than worldly luxuries.

D – Did You Know?

1. σεμίδαλις was so valuable it was sometimes used as currency in ancient trade.
2. The word appears frequently in ancient temple records for religious offerings.
3. Early Christian writers used it metaphorically to describe the purity of Christ’s teachings.

Strong’s G4585: The finest wheat flour, considered a luxury item in ancient times. Used in religious offerings and high-quality bread-making, it appears in Revelation’s list of luxury trade goods, symbolizing excessive wealth and materialism in contrast to spiritual values.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: flour, luxury goods, Revelation, materialism, trade, offerings, food, commerce, Babylon, judgment, biblical foods, ancient commerce​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​