μόδιος (modios)
modios
bucket
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun modios refers to a standard dry measure used in the ancient world, holding approximately sixteen sextarii or about nine liters. It is roughly equivalent to an English peck or two gallons. This unit provided a common reference for volume, particularly for grains and other dry goods.
Although the lexicon data notes its Latin origin, the word appears in the New Testament primarily within the Synoptic Gospels. Jesus uses it as a concrete image to illustrate hidden truth, asking why anyone would place such a measure under a basket or bed rather than on a stand where its light could shine for all to see (Mark 4:21; Luke 8:16).
By citing this specific household item, the texts ground spiritual teaching in everyday reality. The modios serves as a familiar object that listeners would recognize from their daily routines, making the metaphor about visibility and purpose immediately understandable.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word modios describes a standard dry measure used in ancient homes, holding about nine liters of grain. It was a practical tool for daily life, familiar to everyone who managed their household supplies. When Jesus mentioned this item, He was not speaking in abstract theories but using an object his listeners touched and saw every day.
In the Gospels, this measure becomes part of a simple question about light. Why would anyone place a lit lamp under a bucket meant for storing food? The image is clear: hiding light defeats its purpose. This word reminds us that truth is not meant to be buried or kept secret in our private routines.
Your faith is like that lamp. It is designed to shine where people can see it. You do not need to hide your hope or keep your kindness for yourself alone. Let your actions stand on a visible stand, offering warmth and guidance to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- basket2×
- a basket1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μόδιον3×
Key Verses
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Mark 4:21
He said to them, “Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn’t it put on a stand?
This verse uses the modios to challenge listeners to consider why they would hide the light of truth under a common household object.
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Luke 11:33
“No one, when he has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see the light.
Here the word highlights the absurdity of placing a lamp in a cellar or under a basket when it is meant to illuminate those who enter.
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Matthew 5:15
Neither do you light a lamp and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.
The reference connects the measure directly to the instruction that light should shine for all who are in the house, not be concealed.