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στάδιον

stádion

G4712 noun

SILEX Entry

Root σταδ- fixed measure, distance, race-course

Definition

A measure of length, approximately 185 meters (607 feet), used as a standard distance in the Greek-speaking world; in certain contexts, denotes a race-course or stadium used for athletic contests. The term primarily identifies a unit of distance, but can also refer to locations where races are held (race-track, stadium).

Semantic Range

measure of length (c. 185 meters), race-course, stadium (structure); unit of journey or travel; location for athletic contests

Root / Etymology

From the verb ἵστημι (to stand, to set) through the diminutive suffix -ιον, originally denoting a fixed length of ground, especially as related to the distance covered in a typical running race.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical and Hellenistic Greek, στάδιον most commonly referred to a standard unit of distance, approximately 600 Greek feet, established as the length of the race-course used in athletic contests (origins trace to the ancient sporting event, the στάδιος δρόμος). In the literary and documentary record, it is frequently used as a measure to describe the length of journeys, geographic distances, or space between points. In some texts, by extension, it can designate the physical location of the race-course itself (stadium), but this is a secondary usage that became more common in later Greek periods. In the Septuagint and New Testament, στάδιον almost exclusively refers to a unit of length—the 'furlong' in traditional English renderings—rather than to an architectural structure. The term corresponds more closely to the Roman 'stadium' but should not be conflated with the English 'stadium' as an arena for sports. Modern translations often simply use 'distance,' 'furlong,' or convert to metric or imperial units. The primary sense throughout Koine texts remains that of a fixed measure, not the building.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of ἵστημι (as fixed); a stade or certain measure of distance; by implication, a stadium or race-course:--furlong, race.

Root Family

στάδιον (stadion) — fixed measure, distance, race-course

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G4712-02 σταδίων stadion N GEN M PL furlongs of stadia 3
G4712-03 σταδίους stadious N ACC M PL furlongs stadia 2
G4712-01 σταδίῳ stadio N DAT N SG a race in a stadium-length 1

Occurrences in Scripture

6 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G4712-03 Luke 24:13 σταδίους stadious N ACC M PL furlongs stadia
G4712-03 John 6:19 σταδίους stadious N ACC M PL stadia stadia
G4712-02 John 11:18 σταδίων stadion N GEN M PL furlongs of stadia
G4712-01 1 Corinthians 9:24 σταδίῳ stadio N DAT N SG a race in a stadium-length
G4712-02 Revelation 14:20 σταδίων stadion N GEN M PL stades of stadia
G4712-02 Revelation 21:16 σταδίων stadion N GEN N PL furlongs of stadia
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