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σεμίδαλις (semidalis)

semidalis

fine flour

G4585 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun semidalis refers to fine wheat flour, specifically the highest quality grade available in the ancient world. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Revelation 18:13, as part of a list of luxury goods traded by Babylon. This single occurrence highlights its status as a premium commodity, distinct from coarser grains or lower-grade flours.

The word likely has foreign origins and was used in the Greek Old Testament to translate the Hebrew sollet, which also denotes fine flour. Its presence in Revelation underscores the wealth and excess of the fallen city, where even basic sustenance becomes a marker of opulence and moral decay.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word semidalis describes the finest grade of wheat flour available in the ancient world. In Revelation 18:13, it appears as a luxury item traded by Babylon alongside spices and slaves. This detail highlights how wealth can become an idol when basic sustenance is treated as a premium commodity for excess rather than simple nourishment.

For your faith, this serves as a sobering reminder that material abundance does not equal spiritual health. The trade of fine flour in this context reflects a system built on moral decay and the exploitation of others. It invites us to examine where our hearts place value—whether in the accumulation of goods or in the dignity of every person.

May we find our satisfaction not in the finest things this world offers, but in the provision and peace that come from God alone.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • finest flour1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • σεμίδαλιν1×

Key Verses

  • Revelation of John 18:13
    and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and people’s bodies and souls.

    This is the only New Testament occurrence, listing fine flour as a luxury good that reveals Babylon's moral corruption and excessive wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does semidalis mean in the Bible?

Semidalis refers to fine wheat flour, specifically the highest quality grade available in the ancient world. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Revelation 18:13, where it is listed among luxury goods.

Why is semidalis mentioned in Revelation?

It is included in a list of items traded by Babylon to illustrate the city's immense wealth and moral decay. The presence of such a basic staple as a luxury item underscores the excess and exploitation inherent in that system.

How is semidalis different from regular flour?

While the Greek word aleuron simply means flour, semidalis denotes a specific, premium grade of finely milled wheat. It was considered a high-value commodity, often associated with wealth and status rather than everyday sustenance.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Revelation of John 1 verse
Revelation of John 18:13

and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and…