Lexical Summary kanón: Rule, standard, principle Original Word: κανών Strong's Exhaustive Concordance line, rule. From kane (a straight reed, i.e. Rod); a rule ("canon"), i.e. (figuratively) a standard (of faith and practice); by implication, a boundary, i.e. (figuratively) a sphere (of activity) -- line, rule. HELPS Word-studies 2583 kanṓn – properly, a rod (bar) used as a measuring standard, originally, a cane or reed used as a standard of measure; (figuratively) a rule; a standard or norm (see Gal 6:16). 2583 /kanṓn ("rule, standard") was used for a summary of orthodox Christian doctrine in the early Church (its "consensual theology") – called "the rule (kanōn) of truth" or "rule of faith" (regula fidei). This represented the core theological convictions prevailing in the local churches in the "post-apostolic era" (particularly from These beliefs ("rule of faith") were written down by Irenaeus (about NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom kanna (a straight rod) Definition a rule, standard NASB Translation rule (1), sphere (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2583: κανώνκανών, κανόνος, ὁ (κάννα, Hebrew קָנֶה a cane, reed; Arabic: 1. "a definitely bounded or fixed space within the limits of which one's power or influence is confined; the province assigned one; one's sphere of activity": 2 Corinthians 10:13, 15f. 2. Metaphorically, any rule or standard, a principle or law of investigating, judging, living, acting (often so in classical Greek, as τοῦ καλοῦ, Euripides, Hec. 602; ὁροι τῶν ἀγαθῶν καί κανονες, Demosthenes, pro cor., p. 324, 27): Galatians 6:16; Philippians 3:16 Rec. Cf. Credner, Zur Gesch. des Kanons (Hal., 1847), pp. 6ff; (especially Westcott, The Canon of the N. T., Appendix A; briefly in B. D. under the word Strong’s Greek 2583 evokes the picture of a surveyor’s line or measuring reed. In Paul’s writings it functions metaphorically for an assigned sphere of service or an authoritative standard by which life and ministry are to be evaluated. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. 2 Corinthians 10:13 – “We, however, will not boast beyond our limits, but only within the field of influence that God has assigned to us—a field that includes you as well.” Paul’s Use in 2 Corinthians 10 The apostle defends his ministry by appealing to the “line” God had measured out for him. Paul’s Use in Galatians 6 Here the term moves from geographical ministry lines to an ethical “rule.” The “rule” is the gospel pattern of new-creation living expressed through Spirit-empowered love (Galatians 6:14–15). Those who “walk by this rule” enjoy the promised blessing of peace and mercy, linking orthodoxy and orthopraxy under one divine measuring line. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty in Ministry: God Himself sets the perimeter of each servant’s labor, promoting unity rather than rivalry within the body of Christ. Historical Development Early church fathers adopted the word to describe the recognized collection of inspired writings. By the fourth century, “canon” had become the settled term for the list of books received as Holy Scripture, reflecting the same concept of an unalterable measuring line for doctrine and practice that Paul had applied to mission and ethics. Practical Application for Ministry Today • Respect God-Given Boundaries: Churches and leaders should labor faithfully in their allotted fields without coveting another’s platform. Summary Strong’s Greek 2583 gathers dynamic imagery of a measuring rod, a mission field, and a moral guideline. In Paul’s hands it affirms God’s sovereign assignment, guards against presumptuous boasting, and calls believers to live by the unchanging gospel rule—a principle that later generations would recognize in the very canon of Scripture itself. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 10:13 N-GMSGRK: μέτρον τοῦ κανόνος οὗ ἐμέρισεν NAS: the measure of the sphere which KJV: to the measure of the rule which INT: measure of the area which divided 2 Corinthians 10:15 N-AMS 2 Corinthians 10:16 N-DMS Galatians 6:16 N-DMS Strong's Greek 2583 |
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