Lexical Summary spuris: Basket Original Word: σπυρίς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance basket. From speiro (as woven); a hamper or lunch-receptacle -- basket. see GREEK speiro HELPS Word-studies 4711 spyrís – literally, a tightly wound (plaited) basket; a "hamper, reed basket" (J. Thayer). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a (large, flexible) basket (for carrying provisions) NASB Translation large basket (1), large baskets (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4711: σπυρίςσπυρίς (L WH σφυρίς, which see), σπυριδος, ἡ (allied to σπεῖρα, which see; hence, something wound, twisted, or folded together), a reed basket (i. e. a plaited basket, a lunch basket, hamper; cf. B. D., under the word STRONGS NT 4711: σφυρίςσφυρίς, equivalent to σπυρίς, which see (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 113; Curtius, p. 503; (Stephanus' Thesaurus, see under the words)), Lachmann in Matthew 16:10 and Mark 8:8; WH uniformly (see their Appendix, p. 148). Strong’s Greek 4711 appears five times, always describing a large, flexible basket employed either for gathering abundant provision (Matthew 15:37; Matthew 16:10; Mark 8:8; Mark 8:20) or for securing a life-saving escape (Acts 9:25). The word therefore frames two central biblical themes—divine abundance and divine protection. Distinctive Character of the “spyris” In the Galilean feedings the Evangelists carefully distinguish between the twelve smaller kophinoi filled after the five-thousand miracle and the seven much larger spyrides gathered after the four-thousand miracle. The deliberate change of term underlines their eyewitness reliability and prevents harmonizing the two separate events into one. The spyris, woven of rope or rushes, was big enough to carry a man—as demonstrated when Paul is lowered through the Damascus wall—revealing its capacity far exceeded the everyday lunch basket. Symbolism in the Feeding of the Four Thousand “ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over.” (Matthew 15:37) Seven oversized baskets underscore the fullness of God’s grace to Gentile regions east of the Sea of Galilee. Unlike the twelve kophinoi that visibly connected the first feeding to the twelve tribes of Israel, the number seven echoes completeness for the nations (Genesis 10 lists seventy nations; Daniel 4 employs seven for universal judgment). The Spirit-inspired choice of the larger container magnifies the surplus offered to outsiders: not crumbs but heaping hampers. A Pedagogical Reminder for the Disciples When the disciples later worry about having only one loaf, Jesus asks, “And when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up? They answered, ‘Seven.’ ” (Mark 8:20) The recollection of the spyrides serves as a living parable. Physical memory—the weight of bulging hampers—should have cured spiritual amnesia. Their forgetfulness warns believers against anxiety after witnessing God’s power. Instrument of Deliverance for Paul “But one night his disciples took him and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.” (Acts 9:25) This same large basket becomes the vehicle of Paul’s preservation at the very outset of his apostleship. What once held leftovers now bears a chosen vessel of Christ (Acts 9:15). The humble implement that displayed provision now ensures protection, illustrating that God’s ordinary means are sufficient for extraordinary purposes. Practical and Cultural Background In first-century agrarian life the spyris functioned as a fisher’s creel, a merchant’s hamper, or a laborer’s sack, commonly slung over the back or lowered by rope. Its strength and size made it ideal for hauling grain, dried fish, or produce from field and shore to market. Such everyday familiarity would have made the gospel accounts vivid and credible to their original hearers. Thematic Connections Old Testament narratives already associate baskets with divine supply and rescue: manna gathered in omer-measures (Exodus 16) and Moses placed in a tevah among the reeds (Exodus 2). The New Testament spyris thus continues a redemptive thread—what carries sustenance may also carry a savior, whether infant or apostle, pointing ultimately to Christ who fills and saves. Faith Lessons for Today 1. God’s generosity overflows; even the “leftovers” exceed human need. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 15:37 N-AFPGRK: ἦραν ἑπτὰ σπυρίδας πλήρεις NAS: seven large baskets full. KJV: seven baskets full. INT: they took up seven baskets full Matthew 16:10 N-AFP Mark 8:8 N-AFP Mark 8:20 N-GFP Acts 9:25 N-DFS Strong's Greek 4711 |
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