5518. choinix
Lexical Summary
choinix: Quart

Original Word: χοῖνιξ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: choinix
Pronunciation: khoy'-nix
Phonetic Spelling: (khoy'-nix)
KJV: measure
NASB: quart, quarts
Word Origin: [of uncertain derivation]

1. a choenix or certain dry measure

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
measure.

Of uncertain derivation; a choenix or certain dry measure -- measure.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of 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: χοῖνιξ

χοῖνιξ, χοινικος, , 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. 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.
• Wage Comparison: A denarius was the ordinary daily wage for manual work (Matthew 20:2). Under normal conditions that coin could purchase eight to twelve quarts of grain. Revelation’s ratio—one quart of wheat or three of barley for an entire day’s pay—reveals hyper-inflated prices at famine levels (cf. Leviticus 26:26).
• Economic Control: Grain measures were overseen by authorities to prevent fraud; the vision therefore hints at regulated scarcity rather than simple crop failure, preparing readers for later portrayals of coercive economic systems (Revelation 13:16-17).

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.
2. Retributive Scarcity

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.
3. Mercy within Wrath

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.
• Balances and Scales: The rider holds scales, echoing Proverbs 11:1; accurate weighing is a divine concern even in judgment.
• Grain in Joseph’s Egypt: Genesis 41 depicts controlled distribution that preserved life. Revelation inverses the scene to depict scarcity, yet both demonstrate God’s mastery over harvests.

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).
• Stewardship and Contentment: The quart warns believers against idolizing wealth; scarcity can strike suddenly as part of God’s plan (1 Timothy 6:17-19).
• Eschatological Readiness: The passage teaches that end-time events will have tangible economic dimensions. Faith communities must prepare spiritually and materially, cultivating mutual support (Acts 2:44-45).
• Preaching Emphasis: Expositors can leverage the measure to illustrate the reality of divine judgment while holding out hope through the gospel, stressing that Christ opens every seal and therefore remains the only secure refuge (Revelation 5:5).

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 Choînix
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Englishman's Concordance
Revelation 6:6 N-NMS
GRK: 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
GRK: καὶ τρεῖς χοίνικες κριθῶν δηναρίου
NAS: and three quarts of barley
KJV: three measures of barley
INT: and three choenixes of barley for a denarius

Strong's Greek 5518
2 Occurrences


χοίνικες — 1 Occ.
Χοῖνιξ — 1 Occ.

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