Lexical Summary sitometrion: Measure of grain, ration Original Word: σιτομέτριον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance ration, portion of meat. From sitos and metron; a grain-measure, i.e. (by implication) ration (allowance of food) -- portion of meat. see GREEK sitos see GREEK metron NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of sitos and metreó Definition a measured portion of food NASB Translation rations (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4620: σιτομέτριονσιτομέτριον, σιτομετριου, τό (Attic writers said τόν σῖτον μέτρειν; out of which later writers formed the compound σιτομέτρειν, Genesis 47:12,(14); Polybius 4, 63, 10; Diodorus 19, 50; Josephus, contra Apion 1, 14, 7; σιτομετρία, Diodorus 2, 41; (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 383; Winer's Grammar, 25)), "a measured 'portion of' grain or 'food'": Luke 12:42. (Ecclesiastical and Byzantine writings.) Topical Lexicon Term Overview Strong’s Greek 4620 occurs once in the New Testament and depicts the measured allotment of food entrusted to a household manager for distribution to fellow servants. The expression belongs to the sphere of stewardship, emphasizing both the sufficiency of the provision and the accountability of the steward who dispenses it. Context in Luke 12:42 Luke 12:42: “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master will put in charge of his servants to give them their portion of food at the proper time?” Within the wider discourse on watchfulness, Jesus portrays a steward charged with meeting the daily needs of the household. The single appearance of the term underscores a fundamental lesson: those granted authority are accountable to supply what sustains the people of God until the Master’s return. Historical Background of Household Provision In first-century Mediterranean estates, a chief steward supervised storage bins, measured rations, and timed their release. Grain formed the staple diet, so accuracy preserved life and order, especially in seasons of scarcity. Failure in this duty threatened the entire community. Jesus borrows this everyday picture, transforming a mundane logistical role into a parable of eternal consequence. Theological Themes 1. Faithful Stewardship. Just as a steward’s careful measuring evidences loyalty to the master, believers are expected to manage divine gifts responsibly (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Connections to Other Biblical Passages • Genesis 41:55-57; 47:12 – Joseph distributes grain, foreshadowing Christ’s provision. Ministry Implications Pastors, elders, parents, and ministry leaders function as modern stewards. They must: Practical Application for Today Believers evaluate all resources—time, talents, finances, opportunities—as provisions loaned by the Master. Daily prayer for “our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11) includes readiness to share that bread. Whether preaching the Word, leading a family, or managing a business, each act of measured giving becomes an act of worship when performed “as unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). Summary Strong’s Greek 4620 captures the disciplined generosity expected of those entrusted with God’s bounty. The lone New Testament usage anchors a timeless principle: faithful stewards dispense life-sustaining provision in season, anticipating the Master’s commendation, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21). Forms and Transliterations σιτομετριον σιτομέτριον σιτοποιού sitometrion sitométrionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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