### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective κρίθινος (kríthinos), Strong's number `{{G2916}}`, is derived directly from the noun κριθή (krithē), which means "barley." Consequently, its core meaning is "of barley," "made of barley," or "consisting of barley." Its semantic range is quite narrow, primarily functioning to denote the material composition of an object, specifically that it is made from or involves barley. It describes a quality or characteristic derived from the grain itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κρίθινος (kríthinos) appears only once in the New Testament, found in the Gospel of John:
* **[[John 6:9]]**: "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish; but what are these for so many people?"
This sole occurrence is within the narrative of Jesus feeding the five thousand. The detail that the loaves are "barley loaves" (ἄρτους κριθίνους) is highly significant. In the ancient world, barley was generally considered a coarser grain than wheat and was often associated with the food of the poor, the common people, or animals. It was a staple, but not a luxury. By specifying "barley loaves," the text emphasizes the humble and meager nature of the provisions available to the disciples. This detail serves to magnify the subsequent miracle performed by Jesus; the transformation of such humble and insufficient resources into an overwhelming abundance underscores the divine power at work. The contrast between the small, common offering and the miraculous provision highlights God's ability to work powerfully through what is seemingly insignificant.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κριθή (krithē):** This is the direct root noun from which κρίθινος is formed, meaning "barley" itself. It is the fundamental concept underlying the adjective.
* **ἄρτος (artos):** Meaning "bread" or "loaf." In [[John 6:9]], κρίθινος modifies ἄρτος, specifying the type of bread. The general term for bread is made specific by the adjective.
* **πτωχός (ptōchos):** Meaning "poor" or "beggar." While not lexically related, the concept of barley bread being a food for the poor or common people creates a strong contextual link. This association subtly connects the humble provision to the general human condition of need, which Jesus addresses.
* **εὐλογέω (eulogeō):** Meaning "to bless." The act of Jesus blessing the humble barley loaves ([[John 6:11]]) is central to their miraculous multiplication, demonstrating that divine blessing transforms even the most meager resources.
* **The Manna:** Though not a direct linguistic link, the miraculous provision of barley loaves in the wilderness setting of [[John 6]] draws a clear parallel to the manna provided to Israel in the wilderness (e.g., [[Exodus 16:31]]). Both represent humble, divinely supplied food.
### Theological Significance
The specific mention of "barley" loaves in [[John 6:9]] carries profound theological significance:
* **Divine Sufficiency Amidst Human Insufficiency:** The humble and common nature of barley bread highlights the inadequacy of human resources in the face of immense need. This stark contrast serves to magnify the divine power of Jesus, demonstrating that God's provision is not limited by human scarcity but can transform the most humble offerings into superabundant supply. It underscores the theological principle that God often chooses to work through what is small, weak, or despised to accomplish His mighty purposes ([[1 Corinthians 1:27-29]]).
* **Foreshadowing of Jesus as the Bread of Life:** Immediately following the feeding miracle, Jesus declares Himself to be the "Bread of Life" ([[John 6:35]]). The physical barley loaves, a simple and humble provision that satisfies physical hunger, serve as a tangible precursor to this profound spiritual truth. The miracle with the barley bread points to Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual sustenance, satisfying the deepest hunger of the human soul. The humility of the barley may also subtly point to Jesus' own humble incarnation and identification with humanity.
* **God's Faithful Provision:** The narrative of the barley loaves reinforces the biblical theme of God's faithful provision for His people, echoing Old Testament accounts of divine sustenance in times of need. It assures believers of God's care for both their physical and spiritual well-being.
### Summary
The Greek word κρίθινος (kríthinos), `{{G2916}}`, meaning "of barley" or "barley-made," appears only once in the New Testament, in [[John 6:9]], describing the loaves used by Jesus to feed the five thousand. This seemingly minor detail is rich in contextual and theological significance. By specifying "barley loaves," the text emphasizes the humble, common, and seemingly inadequate nature of the available provisions, thereby powerfully highlighting the miraculous abundance provided by Jesus. This choice underscores the theological truth that divine power is not contingent upon human grandeur but can transform the most meager resources into superabundant supply, demonstrating God's sufficiency amidst human insufficiency. Furthermore, the barley loaves serve as a tangible precursor to Jesus' subsequent declaration as the "Bread of Life" ([[John 6:35]]), connecting the physical miracle of provision with the profound spiritual truth of Christ as the ultimate source of sustenance. The word, though simple in its definition, thus plays a crucial role in conveying the magnitude of the miracle and the identity of the miracle-worker.
TRV