κόκκος

a kernel, grain

Definition

The Greek word κόκκος refers to a small, hard seed or grain, such as a mustard seed (Matthew 13:31, Mark 4:31) or a grain of wheat (John 12:24). In its literal sense, it denotes the physical kernel from which a plant grows. Figuratively, it is used by Jesus to represent the smallest measurable quantity, illustrating how even a tiny amount of faith can accomplish great things (Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:6). The apostle Paul also employs it in 1 Corinthians 15:37 to describe the bare seed that is sown, contrasting it with the future resurrected body God will give.

Biblical Usage

Κόκκος appears seven times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels within Jesus' teachings. It is used in agricultural parables about the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:31, Mark 4:31, Luke 13:19) and in teachings on the power of faith (Matthew 17:20, Luke 17:6). In John 12:24, Jesus uses it metaphorically for His own death and resurrection. Paul uses it once in 1 Corinthians 15:37 in his discussion of bodily resurrection, contrasting the sown seed with the future plant.

Etymology

The word κόκκος is a native Greek term meaning 'grain,' 'seed,' or 'kernel.' It is likely onomatopoeic in origin, imitating the sound of something small and hard. It is the root for the English word 'coccus,' used in biology for spherical bacteria. In Koine Greek, its meaning remained consistent, referring specifically to a small seed or granule.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as Jesus uses it to teach central truths about the kingdom of God and faith. The mustard seed illustrates the surprising, expansive growth of God's kingdom from humble beginnings (Matthew 13:31-32). As the smallest known seed to His audience, it also becomes the perfect metaphor for the potent, mountain-moving power of even minimal genuine faith (Luke 17:6). In John 12:24, the grain of wheat dying to produce fruit is a direct analogy for Christ's own sacrificial death and resurrection, which brings forth spiritual life. Paul's use in 1 Corinthians 15:37 reinforces the transformative hope of resurrection, where the perishable 'seed' is raised imperishable.

In the ancient agricultural society, seeds like the mustard seed were proverbial for their tiny size. Mustard plants, however, could grow large enough for birds to nest in their branches (Matthew 13:32). This stark contrast between the seed's insignificance and the plant's substantial result was a powerful, relatable image for Jesus' listeners. The grain of wheat in John 12:24 would have been understood as a fundamental unit of life and sustenance, making its 'death' in the ground a familiar yet profound picture of necessary sacrifice for future harvest.

σπέρμα (sperma, G4690) — A broader term for 'seed' or 'offspring,' often used in collective or lineage contexts, whereas κόκκος is a single, small grain. σπόρος (sporos, G4703) — Refers to 'sowing' or 'seed' as that which is sown, more focused on the act or the sown material itself rather than the individual unit.

Word Details

Scripture References