Ancient Economics: χοῖνιξ (Strong’s G5518: choinix) Measures Daily Bread

Strong’s G5518: A dry measure equivalent to about one quart (1.1 liters), used for daily food rations in ancient times. This measurement was considered the typical daily allowance of grain for one person, making it significant in understanding economic conditions and daily sustenance in Biblical times.

U- Unveiling the Word

The χοῖνιξ (choinix) was a precise measurement in ancient Greek culture, representing the standard daily portion of grain for one person. This measurement appears prominently in Revelation 6:6, where it’s used in the context of economic hardship during the apocalyptic events. The measurement’s significance extends beyond mere quantity – it represents the basic sustenance needed for human survival. In early church understanding, this measurement became symbolic of God’s provision even in times of scarcity. Today, this word helps us understand both historical economic conditions and divine providence in times of crisis.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χοῖνιξ, choinix, /khoy’-niks/
• Detailed pronunciation: kh-OY-niks (where ‘kh’ is a guttural sound like in Scottish ‘loch’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word: χοῖνιξ (no prefix or suffix)
• Possibly related to χέω (to pour), suggesting its use in measuring poured substances

D – Defining Meanings

• A dry measure equivalent to about one quart or 1.1 liters
• A day’s ration of grain for one person
• A standard unit of measurement in ancient Greek commerce

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

Translation Options:

• “quart” – Most accessible to modern readers
• “choenix” – Transliteration preserving historical specificity
• “day’s portion” – Captures functional meaning in context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μέτρον (metron, /met’-ron/) – general term for measure, See G3358
• κόρος (koros, /kor’-os/) – larger dry measure, See G2884
• σάτον (saton, /sat’-on/) – measure of flour, See G4568

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

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

Example morphological forms:

• Nominative singular: χοῖνιξ
• Genitive singular: χοίνικος
• Dative plural: χοίνιξι

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The χοῖνιξ appears in various lexicons as a precise measurement term. BDAG defines it as specifically containing about one quart or 1.1 liters, while Thayer’s emphasizes its role as a day’s ration. LSJ provides extensive classical references, showing its consistent use across Greek literature. Vine’s connects it to economic conditions, particularly in times of famine or scarcity. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri evidence confirms its everyday commercial use. This measurement was so standardized that it became a reference point for fair wages and food prices in ancient economies.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart [χοῖνιξ] of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts [χοίνικες] of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!'” Revelation 6:6

Additional References:
This word appears only in Revelation 6:6 in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The χοῖνιξ stands as a powerful reminder of God’s attention to human needs, even in the details of daily sustenance. Its appearance in Revelation, where it’s used to describe economic conditions during tribulation, shows how the Lord’s sovereignty extends to the minutiae of human commerce and survival. This measurement reminds us that the Messiah cares about our daily bread, just as He taught us to pray for it. Even in times of scarcity, He remains the ultimate provider, measuring out what His people need.

D – Did You Know?

• The χοῖνιξ was equivalent to 48 κύαθοι (kyathoi), smaller Greek units of measurement
• Roman soldiers often received two χοίνικες of wheat per day as their standard ration
• The term became proverbial in ancient Greek culture for “living day to day”

Strong’s G5518: A dry measure equivalent to about one quart (1.1 liters), used for daily food rations in ancient times. This measurement was considered the typical daily allowance of grain for one person, making it significant in understanding economic conditions and daily sustenance in Biblical times.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: measurement, provision, apocalypse, commerce, daily bread, grain, ration, economy, Revelation, ancient trade​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​