3426. modios

Lexicon

modios: Basket, Bushel

Original Word: μόδιος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: modios
Pronunciation: MOH-dee-os
Phonetic Spelling: (mod'-ee-os)
Definition: Basket, Bushel
Meaning: a dry measure, nearly two English gallons.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

bushel.

Of Latin origin; a modius, i.e. Certain measure for things dry (the quantity or the utensil) -- bushel.

HELPS Word-studies

3426 módios – a container for dry goods holding up to eight liters (roughly two gallons); a dry measure (the chief grain unit) equivalent to one peck (8.81L).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
modius, a dry measure of one peck
NASB Translation
basket (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3426: μόδιος

μόδιος, μοδιου, ὁ, the Latinmodius, a dry measure holding 16 sextarii (or one sixth of the Attic medimnus; commentary Nepos, Attic 2 (i. e. about a peck, A. V. bushel; cf. BB. DD. under the phrase, Weights and Measures)): Matthew 5:15; Mark 4:21; Luke 11:33.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Latin word "modius," which refers to a dry measure, approximately equivalent to a peck or about 9 liters.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "μόδιος" in the Old Testament, as it is a term specific to the Greek language and Roman culture. However, the concept of a container or measure can be loosely related to Hebrew terms for vessels or measures, such as "אֵיפָה" (ephah, Strong's Hebrew 374) or "סְאָה" (seah, Strong's Hebrew 5429), which were used for measuring grain in ancient Israel.

Usage: The term "μόδιος" is used in the New Testament to describe a basket or container, specifically in the context of concealing a light. It appears in the teachings of Jesus to illustrate the importance of letting one's light shine before others.

Context: The word "μόδιος" appears in the New Testament in the context of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, specifically in Matthew 5:15 and its parallel passage in Mark 4:21. In these passages, Jesus uses the imagery of a lamp and a basket to convey a spiritual truth. He states, "Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket (μόδιος). Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house" (Matthew 5:15, BSB). The metaphor emphasizes the responsibility of believers to openly display their faith and good works, rather than hiding them. The use of "μόδιος" in this context underscores the absurdity of concealing something meant to illuminate, thus encouraging followers to be visible witnesses of their faith.

The cultural background of the term "μόδιος" reflects its practical use in daily life during the time of Jesus. As a common household item, a "μόδιος" would have been readily understood by Jesus' audience as a tool for measuring and storing grain. By employing this familiar object in His teaching, Jesus effectively communicated the importance of living out one's faith in a visible and impactful manner.

Forms and Transliterations

μοδιον μόδιον modion módion

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 5:15 N-AMS
GRK: ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον ἀλλ' ἐπὶ
NAS: it under a basket, but on the lampstand,
KJV: it under a bushel, but on
INT: under a basket but upon

Mark 4:21 N-AMS
GRK: ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον τεθῇ ἢ
NAS: under a basket, is it, or
KJV: be put under a bushel, or under
INT: under the basket it might be put or

Luke 11:33 N-AMS
GRK: ὑπὸ τὸν μόδιον ἀλλ' ἐπὶ
NAS: under a basket, but on the lampstand,
KJV: neither under a bushel, but on
INT: under the basket but upon

Strong's Greek 3426
3 Occurrences

μόδιον — 3 Occ.