πῆχυς (pēchus)
pēchus
cubit/hour
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun pēchus refers to the forearm or a specific unit of length known as a cubit. In biblical usage, it denotes the distance from the elbow joint to the tip of the middle finger, roughly equivalent to eighteen inches or half a meter. This measurement served as a standard for estimating scale in both daily life and visionary literature.
The sources highlight its application in distinct contexts: Jesus uses the term metaphorically to illustrate human limitation when asking who can add a single cubit to their lifespan (Matthew 6:27; Luke 12:25). In contrast, John employs it literally to describe dimensions in apocalyptic visions, such as the wall of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:17) or the distance of a boat from shore (John 21:8).
Although its exact length varied across ancient cultures, the word consistently anchors abstract concepts in physical reality. Whether describing the vastness of a holy city or the brevity of human life, pēchus provides a tangible reference point for understanding spatial and temporal boundaries in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pēchus refers to a cubit, a measurement from elbow to fingertip. In Matthew and Luke, Jesus uses it metaphorically to show that anxiety cannot add even this small amount to our lives. This reminds us that our time is held in God’s hands, not by our worry.
In Revelation, John uses the same unit to describe the New Jerusalem’s wall. Here, the cubit grounds a heavenly vision in physical reality. It shows that God’s promises are as tangible as the ground beneath our feet. Whether measuring life or city walls, this word points to God’s care for details.
When we feel small or uncertain, remember that God measures both our days and His kingdom with precision. You are known by Him, down to the smallest span of time.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- hour2×
- cubits,1×
- cubits1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πῆχυν2×
- πηχῶν,1×
- πηχῶν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:27
“Which of you by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?
Jesus uses 'cubit' metaphorically here to show that anxiety cannot extend human life, highlighting our dependence on God's sovereignty over time.
-
Luke 12:25
Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to his height?
This parallel passage reinforces the same point as Matthew, using the cubit to illustrate the futility of worry in controlling one’s lifespan.
-
John 21:8
But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish.
John uses 'cubits' literally to describe the distance of the boat from shore, grounding the resurrection appearance in a specific, measurable reality.
-
Revelation of John 21:17
Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a man, that is, of an angel.
The angel measures the New Jerusalem’s wall with a cubit, showing that God’s eternal promises are structured with precise, tangible dimensions.