Judicial Power: ψῆφος (Strong’s G5586: psephos) – Ancient Voice of Verdict

Strong’s G5586: A small, smooth stone used for counting or voting in ancient courts, derived from ψάω (to rub). Represents both the physical ballot stone and metaphorically, a vote or judicial decision. Significant in Greco-Roman legal proceedings and early Christian accounts of persecution.

U – Unveiling the Word

The word ψῆφος carries deep significance in ancient judicial systems, where smooth pebbles were used for casting votes in legal proceedings. In Acts 26:10, Paul uses this term to describe his role in condemning Christians, indicating his official participation in their sentencing. The primary meaning refers to the physical stone used for voting, while the secondary meaning represents the vote or decision itself. This voting system was fundamental to Greek democracy and judicial proceedings, later influencing early Christian understanding of judgment and authority. Today, it reminds us of the weight of judicial decisions and the responsibility of those in authority.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψῆφος, psephos, /ˈpseɪfɒs/
• Detailed pronunciation: PSAY-foss
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ψάω (psao) – to rub smooth
• Suffix: -φος (-phos) – forms concrete nouns
• Development: The smooth nature of the counting stones led to their use in voting

D – Defining Meanings

• A small smooth stone used for counting
• A vote or ballot in judicial proceedings
• A judicial verdict or decision

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• Stone – emphasizes the physical object used in voting
• Vote – captures the action and decision-making aspect
• Ballot – combines both physical and procedural meanings

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κρίμα (krima) /ˈkriːmə/ – judgment or verdict See G2917
• κρίσις (krisis) /ˈkraɪsɪs/ – the act of judging See G2920
• γνώμη (gnōmē) /ˈnoʊmeɪ/ – opinion or judgment See G1106

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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

Examples:

• Nominative: ψῆφος (a stone)
• Genitive: ψήφου (of a stone)
• Dative: ψήφῳ (to/with a stone)
• Accusative: ψῆφον (the stone)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG and Thayer’s lexicons emphasize the dual nature of ψῆφος as both a physical object and a metaphorical concept. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its evolution from counting pebbles to judicial votes. Vine’s expands on its metaphorical significance in Christian contexts, while Moulton and Milligan cite papyri evidence of its use in legal documents. Strong’s connects it to the practice of using white stones for acquittal and black for condemnation, a practice that adds depth to understanding ancient judicial procedures.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And this is just what I did in Jerusalem; not only did I lock up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, but also when they were being put to death I cast my [ψῆφος] vote against them.

Additional References:
Revelation 2:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The ψῆφος represents more than just a voting system; it embodies the principles of justice and decision-making in ancient society. Its use in Acts 26:10 reveals Paul’s formal role in persecuting Christians, demonstrating the dramatic transformation through his encounter with Christ. This transformation points to the gospel’s power to change even those who once stood in opposition to it, reminding us that Christ’s redemption extends to all, even those who have cast votes against His people.

D – Did You Know?

1. White stones (ψῆφος) were used for acquittal, black for condemnation
2. The word evolved into the modern Greek term for ballot
3. Archaeological evidence shows actual voting stones from ancient Athens

Strong’s G5586: A small, smooth stone used for counting or voting in ancient courts, derived from ψάω (to rub). Represents both the physical ballot stone and metaphorically, a vote or judicial decision. Significant in Greco-Roman legal proceedings and early Christian accounts of persecution.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: voting, judgment, courts, justice, legal-system, ancient-greece, democracy, decision-making, paul, persecution​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​