### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **krithḗ**, represented by `{{G2915}}`, provides the specific term for **barley**. With an uncertain origin, its meaning is understood entirely through its biblical usage. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its single context highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G2915}}` is in [[Revelation 6:6]], where a voice among the four beasts proclaims a message of economic scarcity. The verse states, "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of **barley** for a penny." In this prophetic context, **barley** is presented as a staple commodity whose value is being dictated under dire circumstances, set in direct comparison to wheat.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words found in its only context help define its meaning and significance:
* `{{G4621}}` **sîtos** (grain, especially wheat): This word is used in immediate contrast to **barley** in [[Revelation 6:6]], establishing a relative value where one measure of wheat costs the same as three measures of **barley**.
* `{{G5518}}` **choînix** (a chœnix or certain dry measure): This term specifies the amount of grain being sold. The declaration in [[Revelation 6:6]] assigns this **measure** to both wheat and **barley**, quantifying the transaction.
* `{{G1220}}` **dēnárion** (a denarius...pence, penny(-worth)): This refers to the coin used for the transaction, establishing the high cost of food. A **penny** was a typical day's wage [[Matthew 20:2]], highlighting the severity of the famine described in [[Revelation 6:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2915}}` is derived exclusively from its singular, powerful context in Revelation.
* **Symbol of Scarcity:** By pricing three measures of **barley** at a penny, the text establishes it as a food of subsistence during a period of intense hardship. It highlights a specific judgment affecting basic sustenance.
* **Economic Hierarchy:** The direct comparison to wheat `{{G4621}}` at a 3-to-1 ratio for the same price `{{G1220}}` frames **barley** as the less valuable, more common grain, emphasizing the economic strain on the populace [[Revelation 6:6]].
* **Prophetic Judgment:** The mention of `{{G2915}}` occurs as a divine proclamation. It is not part of a parable or historical narrative, but a component of an apocalyptic vision concerning God's judgment on the earth.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2915}}` is a highly specific term for **barley**. Its single occurrence in scripture locks its meaning into the prophetic context of [[Revelation 6:6]]. While a simple word for a common grain, its use alongside terms for wheat, measure, and money paints a vivid picture of divinely decreed scarcity and judgment, demonstrating how even the most infrequent words can carry significant theological weight.
TRV