Brief Overview of στάμνος (Strong’s G4713: stamnos)

Strong’s G4713: A specific type of jar or urn, particularly significant in biblical context as the golden vessel that held the manna in the Ark of the Covenant. In Hellenistic usage, it referred to a vessel for storing liquids or fine materials, often with ceremonial significance.

U- Unveiling the Word

στάμνος represents a specialized vessel of significance, particularly in sacred contexts. While in common Greek usage it referred to a storage jar for wine or water, in biblical context it gains profound theological significance as the golden vessel that preserved the manna in the Ark of the Covenant. This vessel symbolized God’s faithful provision and the preservation of His miraculous works. Early church fathers saw in the στάμνος a type of Mary carrying the living bread from heaven, and a symbol of how we should preserve God’s word in our hearts. Today, it reminds us of God’s presence with His people and His ongoing provision.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στάμνος, stamnos, STAM-nos
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + am (as in ham) + nos (as in nose)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• From ἵστημι (histēmi) – to stand
• -μνος (-mnos) suffix – forms instrument nouns
• Indicates a standing or stable vessel

D – Defining Meanings

• Storage jar
• Sacred vessel
• Ceremonial urn
• Preservation container

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “Jar” – emphasizes container function
• “Urn” – suggests ceremonial significance
• “Vessel” – captures both practical and sacred uses

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑδρία (hydria) [hoo-DREE-ah] – water pot – See G5201
• ἀγγεῖον (angeion) [ang-GAY-on] – vessel, container – See G30
• κεράμιον (keramion) [ker-AM-ee-on] – earthen vessel – See G2765

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

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

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στάμνος (jar)
• Genitive singular: στάμνου (of a jar)
• Accusative plural: στάμνους (jars)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its sacred usage in Hebrew culture. Thayer’s notes its function as a storage vessel. LSJ documents widespread domestic use. Vine’s highlights its ceremonial significance. Strong’s connects it to stability and standing. LEH traces Septuagint usage in tabernacle contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its use in domestic and religious settings.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Hebrews 9:4: “which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot [στάμνος] that had the manna, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στάμνος points us to God’s faithful provision and preservation of His people. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah is our true manna from heaven, preserved not in a golden vessel but in the hearts of His people. This word reminds us that God’s provision is both miraculous and lasting, worthy of being treasured and remembered.

D – Did You Know?

• The στάμνος containing manna was the only perishable item preserved in the Ark
• Ancient Greek households used στάμνοι for preserving their most valuable liquids
• Early Christian art sometimes depicted the Virgin Mary as the στάμνος containing Christ

Strong’s G4713: A specific type of jar or urn, particularly significant in biblical context as the golden vessel that held the manna in the Ark of the Covenant. In Hellenistic usage, it referred to a vessel for storing liquids or fine materials, often with ceremonial significance.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: vessels, containers, ark-of-covenant, tabernacle, manna, sacred-objects, temple-items, preservation, storage, ceremonial-objects, biblical-artifacts, worship-items, holy-vessels, old-testament-symbols, sacred-furniture​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​