καλάμη (kalamē)
kalamē
straw/stubble
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kalame refers to the hollow stalk of a grain plant, specifically the dry remnant left after the harvest. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Paul’s first letter to Corinth (1 Corinthians 3:12). Here, it stands as a material contrast to gold, silver, and precious stones, representing something common, lightweight, and ultimately combustible.
Its meaning is tightly bound to agricultural reality. Just as stubble burns easily and leaves no lasting value, works built on this foundation are vulnerable to fire. The word captures the fragility of human effort when it lacks enduring substance. Paul uses it to illustrate that not all ministry contributes equally to the eternal structure of the church.
Translators typically render kalame as "straw" or "stubble," preserving the image of something that looks substantial but burns away quickly. This choice highlights the temporary nature of the material compared to the permanence of the precious metals mentioned alongside it in the same verse.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In a world that often measures success by visible achievements, this word offers a gentle correction. It refers to the dry stalk left after harvest—something common and easily burned. Paul uses it to remind us that not every effort we make carries eternal weight. Some of our work may look impressive but lacks the substance needed to endure.
This doesn't mean your efforts are pointless, but it does invite reflection on what you are building. When we focus on lasting values like love and truth, our contributions stand firm. The image of straw burning away is not meant to discourage us, but to help us choose materials that truly matter for the long term.
It is a comforting thought that God sees beyond surface appearances. He values integrity and faithfulness over flashy results. By aligning our actions with enduring principles, we participate in something far greater than temporary recognition. This perspective frees us from the pressure to be perfect and allows us to serve with genuine joy.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- straw,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καλάμην,1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 3:12
But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw,
This verse lists straw alongside gold and silver to illustrate materials that will either survive or burn up in God's judgment.