Brief Overview of σίναπι (Strong’s G4615: sinapi)

Strong’s G4615: A noun referring to the mustard seed and plant, likely from Egyptian origin. Known for its tiny size yet impressive growth, Jesus used it as a powerful metaphor for the Kingdom of God’s exponential growth from small beginnings and the potential of faith.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σίναπι holds profound significance in New Testament teaching, particularly in Jesus’ parables. While primarily denoting the black mustard plant (Brassica nigra) and its seeds, its theological importance stems from its use as a metaphor for both faith and the Kingdom of God. Jesus employed this common agricultural term to illustrate extraordinary spiritual truths about growth, potential, and transformation. The early church fathers often referenced σίναπι in their writings to emphasize how seemingly small acts of faith can produce remarkable results in God’s kingdom.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σίναπι, sinapi, SIN-a-pi
• Detailed Pronunciation: σί (see) να (na) πι (pi) – stress on first syllable
• Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter

Etymology:

• Likely derived from Egyptian origin
• No compound elements
• Hellenized form of an ancient agricultural term

D – Defining Meanings

• Mustard plant (Brassica nigra)
• Mustard seed
• Metaphorical representation of small but powerful potential

Translation Options:

• Mustard seed – most common English translation
• Mustard plant – when referring to the mature growth
• Black mustard – when specific botanical identification is needed

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κόκκος (kokkos, KOK-kos) – See G2848: General word for seed or grain
• σπέρμα (sperma, SPER-ma) – See G4690: Seed in a broader sense
• λάχανον (lachanon, LAKH-a-non) – See G3001: Garden herb or vegetable

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive (σινάπεως), Dative (σινάπει)
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

The word follows standard Greek third declension patterns for neuter nouns. Its most common form in the New Testament is the genitive σινάπεως, used to describe the “of mustard” in phrases like “grain of mustard.”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies σίναπι as specifically referring to the black mustard plant, noting its prominence in Palestinian agriculture. Thayer’s emphasizes its proverbial use for smallness. LSJ documents its usage in medical texts for its pungent properties. Vine’s highlights its significance in Jesus’ teaching about faith and the Kingdom. Moulton and Milligan note its common appearance in agricultural papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 13:31: “He told them another parable: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a [mustard seed] [σίναπι] that someone took and sowed in his field.'”

Additional References:
Matthew 17:20, Mark 4:31, Luke 13:19, Luke 17:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σίναπι serves as a powerful reminder that God’s Kingdom operates differently from human expectations. Just as the tiny mustard seed grows into a substantial plant, faith that seems small can move mountains when placed in our mighty God. This demonstrates how King Jesus uses the humble and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

D – Did You Know?

• The black mustard plant can grow to heights of 8-12 feet in just a few months
• Ancient Palestinian farmers considered mustard a weed due to its aggressive growth
• The mustard seed was the smallest seed known in first-century Palestine agriculture

Strong’s G4615: A noun referring to the mustard seed and plant, likely from Egyptian origin. Known for its tiny size yet impressive growth, Jesus used it as a powerful metaphor for the Kingdom of God’s exponential growth from small beginnings and the potential of faith.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: plants, seeds, parables, faith, kingdom-of-god, growth, metaphors, agriculture, jesus-teachings, transformation, potential, nature​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​