"a small stone, pebble; a pebble variously employed, especially in a ballot; hence, a vote, suffrage, Acts 26:10; a pebble or stone; probably given as a token, Rev. 2:17 (2x)*"
Definition and meaning
a small stone, pebble; a pebble variously employed, especially in a ballot; hence, a vote, suffrage, Acts 26:10; a pebble or stone; probably given as a token, Rev. 2:17 (2x)*
In the original Greek the word is written: ψῆφος
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
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 psephos (G5586) across the King James Bible.
Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.
He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G5586 (psephos) is a Greek word that means: a small stone, pebble; a pebble variously employed, especially in a ballot; hence, a vote, suffrage, Acts 26:10; a pebble or stone; probably given as a token, Rev. 2:17 (2x)* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word psephos (G5586) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5586 is psephos, a Greek word defined as: a small stone, pebble; a pebble variously employed, especially in a ballot; hence, a vote, suffrage, Acts 26:10; a pebble or stone; probably given as . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
psephos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.