κεράμιον
kerámion
G2765 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An earthenware vessel, typically a jar or pitcher made of baked clay. Carries the primary sense of a portable ceramic container used to hold or carry liquids such as water or wine, as well as other substances. In ancient Greek and Koine usage, it nearly always refers to a specific kind of practical storage or transport vessel made from pottery.
Semantic Range
earthenware jar, clay pitcher, ceramic vessel, (by extension) any portable container made of pottery
Root / Etymology
From κέραμος (kéramos, 'potter's clay, earthenware pottery'), with the diminutive or instrumental suffix -ιον, indicating a vessel made of or associated with clay.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term κεράμιον is attested in later classical, Hellenistic, and Koine Greek, and it appears in the New Testament (Mark 14:13, Luke 22:10) as the usual word for a (clay) water jar or pitcher, particularly one carried by hand. Its use is practical and non-ritualistic, denoting a common household or travel item rather than ceremonial ware. Unlike more general terms for vessels (like σκεῦος), κεράμιον always specifies earthenware. In the Septuagint (e.g. Judg 7:16), it likewise denotes a clay jar. Standard English translations render κεράμιον as 'jug,' 'jar,' or 'pitcher,' but the word emphasizes the material (pottery, ceramic) and its function as a vessel for carrying or storing, especially liquids. It is distinct from amphora-type jars (ἀμφορεύς) or smaller cups (ποτήριον), highlighting portability and everyday use. The term does not appear to carry symbolic or religious connotations in its biblical contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of a presumed derivative of κέραμος; an earthenware vessel, i.e. jar:--pitcher.
Root Family
κεράμιον (keramion) — pottery, earthenware, vessel
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2765-01 |
κεράμιον | keramion | N ACC N SG |
pitcher | earthenware jar | earthenware jar | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2765-01 |
Mark 14:13 | κεράμιον | keramion | N ACC N SG |
pitcher | earthenware jar | pitcher |
G2765-01 |
Luke 22:10 | κεράμιον | keramion | N ACC N SG |
pitcher | earthenware jar | earthenware jar |