μίλιον
mílion
G3400 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A measure of distance equivalent to a Roman mile, approximately 1,480 meters or 4,854 feet; used as a standard unit of length in the Roman world. In New Testament contexts, refers specifically to the distance that could be compelled by Roman law (e.g., for carrying burdens). The term always designates a literal measure of distance rather than a figurative concept.
Semantic Range
Roman mile (approx. 1,480 m or 4,854 ft); specific unit of distance related to Roman administration; compulsory distance for transport under Roman law
Root / Etymology
Borrowed from the Latin 'mille (passus)' meaning 'a thousand (paces)'; the Greek μίλιον (mílion) reflects this Latin measurement, introduced via contact with the Roman administrative and military systems.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μίλιον appears only in late Greek, entirely as a borrowing from Latin reflecting the direct impact of Roman governance and infrastructure in the eastern Mediterranean. Its occurrence in the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 5:41) references the Roman legal right to compel civilians to carry loads for one mile—a practice known as angareia (see also ἀγγαρεύω, G29). The specific use of μίλιον highlights the Roman, not Hellenistic or Judean, context, underscoring the imposition of Roman norms on local populations. Earlier Greek had its own measurements (στάδιον, plethron), but Roman units came into use after conquest. English translations typically render μίλιον as 'mile,' matching the general sense but not the precise historical length. The term never appears in the Septuagint or classical Greek texts, being exclusively post-classical.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Latin origin; a thousand paces, i.e. a "mile":--mile.
Root Family
μίλιον (mílion) — mile, Roman distance measure
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3400-01 |
μίλιον | milion | N ACC N SG |
mile | a Roman mile | a Roman mile | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3400-01 |
Matthew 5:41 | μίλιον | milion | N ACC N SG |
mile | a Roman mile | a Roman mile |