στάμνος (G4713) — Greek Lexicon

στάμνος

stámnos

G4713 noun

SILEX Entry

Root σταμν- to stand, upright vessel

Definition

A vessel, specifically an earthenware jar or pot, typically with a wide mouth and sometimes with handles, used for storing liquids such as water, wine, olive oil, or dry goods like grain. In some contexts, denotes a storage container with ritual or commemorative significance.

Semantic Range

storage jar, earthenware pot, vessel for liquids, ritual or commemorative container, offering jar, large upright container

Root / Etymology

Probably derived from the base of ἵστημι (to stand), referring to a vessel that stands upright and is stable. Close in form and meaning to the classical Greek στάμνος, meaning 'a standing jar' or 'storage vessel.' The root refers to the property of standing or remaining stationary, distinguishing this vessel from other movable containers.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, στάμνος referred primarily to a large, round ceramic jar with a short neck, wide mouth, and handles, often used for storing liquids or grains, and found in domestic and ceremonial contexts (e.g., weddings or rituals). In Hellenistic and Roman contexts, its basic reference to a storage jar remained, but it was also used as a technical term for vessels used in offerings or as commemorative containers. In the Septuagint (e.g., Exodus 16:33-34), στάμνος is notably used for the vessel in which manna was preserved before the divine presence (rendering Hebrew צִנְצֶנֶת‎), emphasizing both mundane and sacred uses. In extant Koine sources and the New Testament (Hebrews 9:4), the term denotes the same kind of storage vessel, now with the added precedent of ritual or sacred function due to its biblical associations. Standard translations as 'jar' or 'pot' capture the general utility, but may obscure the object's ritual or commemorative function in some contexts. Unlike related words such as κεράμιον (smaller water jar) or λάγυνος (wine bottle), στάμνος implies a standing, usually large, upright vessel.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the base of ἵστημι (as stationary); a jar or earthen tank:--pot.

Root Family

στάμνος (stamnos) — upright vessel, standing jar, storage container

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	Occurrences
`G4713-01`	στάμνος	stamnos	`N NOM F SG`		upright storage jar	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1
`G4713-01`	Hebrews 9:4	στάμνος	stamnos	`N NOM F SG`		upright storage jar

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