"a modius, a Roman measure for things dry, containing 16 sextarii, and equivalent to about a peck (8.75 liters); in NT a corn measure, Mt. 5:15; Mk. 4:21; Lk. 11:33*"
Definition and meaning
a modius, a Roman measure for things dry, containing 16 sextarii, and equivalent to about a peck (8.75 liters); in NT a corn measure, Mt. 5:15; Mk. 4:21; Lk. 11:33*
In the original Greek the word is written: μόδιος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of modios (G3426) across the King James Bible.
Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
And he said unto them, Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel, or under a bed? and not to be set on a candlestick?
No man, when he hath lighted a candle, putteth it in a secret place, neither under a bushel, but on a candlestick, that they which come in may see the light.
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Common questions
Strong's G3426 (modios) is a Greek word that means: a modius, a Roman measure for things dry, containing 16 sextarii, and equivalent to about a peck (8.75 liters); in NT a corn measure, Mt. 5:15; Mk. 4:21; Lk. 11:33* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word modios (G3426) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3426 is modios, a Greek word defined as: a modius, a Roman measure for things dry, containing 16 sextarii, and equivalent to about a peck (8.75 liters); in NT a corn measure, Mt. 5:15; Mk. 4:. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
modios is a Greek word found in the New Testament.