### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **drachmḗ**, represented by `{{G1406}}`, refers to a drachma or a **silver** coin. It appears **3 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used literally as a piece of money, but its context within a parable gives it significant symbolic weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole context for `{{G1406}}` is the parable of the lost coin. In this story, a woman possessing ten **pieces of silver** loses one **piece** [[Luke 15:8]]. The narrative focuses on her immediate and thorough actions to recover the single lost coin. After finding it, she calls her friends and neighbours to rejoice with her, exclaiming, "I have found the **piece** which I had lost" [[Luke 15:9]]. The repeated use emphasizes the value placed on the individual coin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the actions and themes surrounding the lost `{{G1406}}`:
* `{{G622}}` **apóllymi** (to destroy... lose, mar, perish): This word describes the status of the coin as **lost** [[Luke 15:9]], establishing the central problem of the narrative.
* `{{G2212}}` **zētéō** (to seek): This defines the primary action taken by the woman to remedy the loss. She chooses to **seek** for the coin [[Luke 15:8]]. The Son of Man also came to **seek** that which was lost [[Luke 19:10]].
* `{{G1960}}` **epimelōs** (diligently): This adverb modifies the act of seeking, showing the woman's careful and earnest effort. She doesn't just look, but seeks **diligently** until she finds it [[Luke 15:8]].
* `{{G2147}}` **heurískō** (to find): This is the successful result of the diligent search. The woman's goal is to **find** the coin [[Luke 15:8]], and her joy comes when she has **found** it [[Luke 15:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1406}}` is derived entirely from its role in the parable of the lost coin.
* **The Value of the One:** The story highlights the importance of a single lost **piece of silver**. The woman's focused effort to find one out of ten coins underscores the immense value placed on the individual.
* **The Condition of Being Lost:** The coin is described as **lost** `{{G622}}`, a state that prompts an urgent response. This same term is used to describe the object of Christ's mission, as the Son of Man came "to seek and to save that which was **lost**" [[Luke 19:10]].
* **The Nature of the Search:** The search for the coin is active and **diligently** `{{G1960}}` pursued. It involves lighting a candle, sweeping the house, and seeking `{{G2212}}` until it is found `{{G2147}}`, illustrating a purposeful and relentless effort of recovery.
* **The Joy of Recovery:** The discovery of the lost **piece** `{{G1406}}` is not a quiet event but a cause for communal celebration, as the woman calls others to "Rejoice with me" [[Luke 15:9]]. This demonstrates the profound joy associated with finding what was lost.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1406}}` is literally a **silver** coin, but its biblical importance is symbolic. It functions as the central object in a parable that illustrates concepts of being lost, diligently sought, and joyfully found. The story of the lost **drachmḗ** serves as a powerful metaphor for the value of the individual and the joy of redemption.
TRV