Lexical Summary choinix: Quart Original Word: χοῖνιξ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance measure. Of uncertain derivation; a choenix or certain dry measure -- measure. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a choenix (a dry measure of less than a quart) NASB Translation quart (1), quarts (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5518: χοῖνιξχοῖνιξ, χοινικος, ἡ, from Homer, Odyssey 19, 28 down, a choenix, a dry measure, containing four cotylae or two sextarii (i. e. less than our 'quart'; cf. Liddell and Scott, under the word) (or as much as would support a man of moderate appetite for a day; hence, called in Athen. 3 § 20, p. 98 e. ἡμεροτροφις (cf. ἡ χοῖνιξ ἡμερήσιος τροφή, (Diogenes Laërtius 8, 18)): Revelation 6:6 (where A. V. measure (see Amos appendix ad loc.)). Topical Lexicon Term and Biblical Context The term refers to a common Greco-Roman dry volume—roughly one quart (about one litre)—that appears twice in Revelation 6:6 during the opening of the third seal. In that setting it forms part of a heavenly proclamation that exposes a coming scarcity where “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius”. The measure is therefore inseparably tied to famine imagery and economic distress within the prophetic sequence of the seals. Occurrences in Scripture Revelation 6:6 is the sole New Testament locus, yet the passage records the word twice: once in the plural (“quarts”) and again in the singular (“quart”). The double mention accentuates precision, underscoring that the scarcity is divinely specified, not random. Historical Background • Daily Ration: In the first-century Mediterranean world a choinix represented the standard daily grain allowance for an adult laborer or soldier. Theological Themes 1. Divine Sovereignty in Judgment The third rider does not act autonomously; a voice “in the midst of the four living creatures” sets limits (“do not harm the oil and the wine”). Even in judgment God restrains disaster, echoing Lamentations 3:31-33. Throughout Scripture famine is a covenant warning (Deuteronomy 28:48, Ezekiel 5:16). Revelation uses the quart measure to remind the Church that moral rebellion eventually yields material consequences. Bread and basic grain are rationed, yet oil and wine remain—tokens of grace amid discipline. This selective sparing mirrors Elijah’s provision during drought (1 Kings 17:14) and underscores that judgment has redemptive purpose. Related Biblical Imagery • Old Testament Sieges: Samaria’s famine priced unclean food exorbitantly (2 Kings 6:25). The quart measure parallels those siege conditions. Ministry and Practical Application • Social Compassion: Awareness that God notices exact costs of daily bread should fuel congregational care for the poor (James 2:15-17). Summary Though a small unit of volume, the choinix carries vast theological weight. Its appearance in Revelation 6:6 unites ancient economic life with prophetic warning, demonstrating that God’s redemptive plan embraces everyday necessities such as a day’s grain. The measure simultaneously cautions against complacency, encourages ethical stewardship, and testifies that even in global upheaval the Lord governs every scale, price, and portion. Forms and Transliterations χοινικες χοίνικες Χοινιξ χοίνιξ Χοῖνιξ χοιρογρύλλιοι χοιρογρυλλίοις χοιρογρύλλιον choinikes choínikes Choinix ChoînixLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 6:6 N-NMSGRK: ζῴων λέγουσαν Χοῖνιξ σίτου δηναρίου NAS: saying, A quart of wheat KJV: say, A measure of wheat INT: living creatures saying A choenix of wheat for a denarius Revelation 6:6 N-NMP Strong's Greek 5518 |
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