← G3354 G3356 →

μετρητής

metrētḗs

G3355 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A vessel or unit for measuring, specifically a standard liquid measure used in commerce or daily life. In New Testament and Koine contexts, typically denotes a container of fixed capacity for liquids such as water or wine, with the actual volumetric value varying by location and period. May also extend to the function of being a vessel used for measuring out liquid quantities.

Semantic Range

measuring vessel, standard liquid measure, container for measuring out liquid, a specific unit of capacity for liquids, sometimes the act of measuring itself (classical)

Root / Etymology

From the verb μετρέω (to measure), itself derived from μέτρον (measure, standard), with the agentive suffix -τής, thus literally: 'one who/measuring-thing.' Refers to an object used for measuring (originally could be both a person or a tool, but in Koine used for the vessel).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, μετρητής can refer to both a person who measures and the instrument or vessel used for measuring. By the Hellenistic and Roman periods, especially in the New Testament (cf. John 2:6), it refers almost exclusively to a container of standard capacity for liquids. On the use in John 2:6, a μετρητής is estimated at about 39 to 40 liters (roughly 9-10 US gallons), but the precise size could fluctuate by region or local custom. Latin sources transliterate the term as metreta, and the Vulgate uses 'metretae.' English translations use terms like 'firkin' (an old English measure), but this obscures the Greek term's cultural specificity and may not reflect the precise quantity. The term is similar to other Greek liquid measures, e.g., κύαθος (cyathos, small ladle) and χοῦς (chous, large jug), but μετρητής was a fixed larger measure, not simply any container. In the Septuagint, the term is rare; its main significance comes from Hellenistic and Roman commercial practices. In the New Testament, its usage is practical and non-ritual, referring to common household or communal vessels.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from μετρέω; a measurer, i.e. (specially), a certain standard measure of capacity for liquids:--firkin.

Root Family

μετρητής (metrētēs) — measure, measuring vessel, standard liquid measure

Root μετρ- to measure, measuring (object or person)

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3355-01 μετρητὰς metretas N ACC M PL measures standard liquid measures standard liquid measures 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3355-01 John 2:6 μετρητὰς metretas N ACC M PL measures standard liquid measures standard liquid measures
← G3354 Greek Lexicon G3356 →