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σπυρίς

spyrís

G4711 noun

SILEX Entry

Root σπεῖρ- to weave, to twist, to plait

Definition

A large woven basket, especially a type used for carrying provisions, food, or other items; in the New Testament, particularly associated with baskets used to gather bread fragments. The primary sense is a substantial, flexible container made of plaited material. In specific contexts, distinguished from smaller baskets by size or function.

Semantic Range

a large woven basket, hamper, provision basket, flexible carrying container; in specific NT contexts, the larger basket for gathering bread fragments; occasionally a basket large enough to hold a person

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root σπεῖραω (to weave), related to σπεῖρα (coil, twist). Indicates an object made by weaving or plaiting, typically plant fibers. The formation and usage reflect the method of construction rather than an original function.

Historical & Contextual Notes

σπυρίς is attested in Greek literature from the Classical period onward, but becomes more prominent in Hellenistic and later Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament. In the broader ancient Mediterranean world, σπυρίς refers to a large, flexible basket, often used for carrying food, provisions, or even people in certain contexts (e.g., Acts 9:25, where Paul is lowered in such a basket). In the Gospels, σπυρίς denotes the larger type of basket, specifically distinguished from κόφινος (kophinos), a smaller hand basket, as seen in the accounts of the feeding miracles (Mark 8:8, 20; Matthew 15:37; 16:10). English translations often uniformly render both terms as 'basket,' which can obscure this distinction in Greek. The Roman-era σπυρίς could vary in size and use, reflecting broad continuity with earlier Greek practice. The word is rarely used in the Septuagint, and otherwise occurs in accounts referencing practical daily life or travel. Its meaning is distinct from other Greek terms for containers (πλάστιγξ, κἀνοῦν) which emphasize shape or material rather than method of construction or typical use.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σπείρω (as woven); a hamper or lunch-receptacle:--basket.

Root Family

σπυρίς (spyris) — woven container, large basket, provision hamper

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4711-01 σπυρίδας spuridas N ACC F PL baskets large woven baskets 3
G4711-03 σπυρίδων spuridon N GEN F PL baskets of large woven baskets 1
G4711-02 σπυρίδι spuridi N DAT F SG basket to a large woven basket 1

Occurrences in Scripture

5 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4711-01 Matthew 15:37 σπυρίδας spuridas N ACC F PL large woven baskets
G4711-01 Matthew 16:10 σπυρίδας spuridas N ACC F PL large woven baskets
G4711-01 Mark 8:8 σπυρίδας spuridas N ACC F PL baskets large woven baskets
G4711-03 Mark 8:20 σπυρίδων spuridon N GEN F PL baskets of large woven baskets
G4711-02 Acts 9:25 σπυρίδι spuridi N DAT F SG basket to a large woven basket
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