σῖτος

wheat, grain

Definition

The Greek word σῖτος primarily refers to 'wheat,' the specific cultivated grain, but can also be used more broadly for 'grain' in general. In the New Testament, it most often denotes wheat as a valuable food crop, as seen in parables about sowing and harvesting (Matthew 13:25, 13:29-30). In some contexts, it can represent the edible kernel or head of grain, as in the process of growth described in Mark 4:28. A broader economic sense is seen in Luke 16:7, where it refers to a measured quantity of 'wheat' as a commodity for trade.

Biblical Usage

Σῖτος is used 14 times, predominantly in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke). Its usage is almost entirely within agricultural parables and metaphors, especially those of Jesus concerning the kingdom of God (e.g., Matthew 13:24-30, the parable of the weeds). It appears in John the Baptist's metaphor of the Messiah's winnowing fork gathering the wheat (Matthew 3:12, Luke 3:17). The sole non-parabolic use is in a financial context in Luke 16:7, listing debts in measures of wheat and oil.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek σῖτος, meaning 'grain,' especially 'wheat' or 'food made from grain.' It is a primary noun with a long history in Greek literature. Cognates appear in other Indo-European languages. The word itself does not have a complex derivation but is the standard, unmarked term for the cultivated cereal grain.

Semantic Range

Σῖτος is theologically significant as a key image in Jesus's parables about the kingdom of God. In Matthew 13, the wheat represents the 'sons of the kingdom' (Matthew 13:38), embodying genuine believers who are to be gathered at the harvest (the end of the age). Understanding it as the specific, valuable crop of wheat (not just generic 'grain') enriches the contrast with weeds (ζιζάνια, zizania, G2215) and underscores themes of divine judgment, separation, and the ultimate preservation of what is good. It connects to eschatological themes of harvest and God's faithful gathering of his people.

In the ancient Mediterranean world, wheat was the most valued and nutritious staple grain, superior to barley. It was a symbol of sustenance, wealth, and livelihood. A harvest of wheat meant security and blessing. This cultural value amplifies its use in Jesus's parables; losing the wheat crop would be catastrophic, and carefully separating wheat from weeds was a recognizable and urgent agricultural task. The measures mentioned (e.g., 'a hundred measures' in Luke 16:7) indicate substantial commercial transactions.

σπορά (spora, G4703) — 'seed, sowing,' focusing on the act of planting or the seed itself. σῖτος is the mature crop. κόκκος (kokkos, G2848) — 'kernel, grain,' a single seed or small particle, as in a 'grain' of mustard seed. σῖτος is the collective crop or commodity. πυρός (pyros, G4621*) — A less common synonym also meaning 'wheat'; σῖτος is the more frequently used term in the NT.

Word Details

Scripture References