The Greek word kríthinos, represented by G2916, is an adjective meaning consisting of barley. It is derived from the word for barley, κριθή. This specific term appears only 2 times in the Bible, both within the same narrative in 2 unique verses, highlighting a single, significant event.
The use of G2916 is confined to the account of the feeding of the five thousand. It first appears when Andrew identifies a lad who hath G2192 "five barley loaves" John 6:9. This detail establishes the humble and seemingly insufficient nature of the food available, prompting the question, "what are they among so many?" John 6:9. The word is used again to emphasize the source of the miraculous abundance, as the disciples gathered twelve baskets of fragments from those same five barley loaves John 6:13.
Several related words help frame the context of this miracle:
- G740 ártos (bread): This is the general term for the loaves that were made of barley. The five barley loaves are the central element that is multiplied John 6:13.
- G4002 pénte (five): This numeral specifies the exact, small quantity of the barley loaves available before the miracle John 6:9.
- G2801 klásma (fragment): This word describes the pieces left over after everyone had eaten, which were gathered from the original barley loaves John 6:13.
- G4052 perisseúō (to superabound): This verb describes the outcome of the miracle, indicating that the barley loaves not only fed the crowd but also "remained over and above" John 6:13.
The theological significance of G2916 is tied directly to the miracle it describes.
- Humble Origins: The loaves are specifically identified as being made of barley, setting the stage with a small, simple provision from a single lad G3808 John 6:9.
- Supernatural Abundance: The use of barley loaves underscores the divine power that can take what is meager and cause it to superabound G4052. The miracle concludes with twelve baskets filled with fragments from the initial five loaves John 6:13.
- Source of the Miracle: The text explicitly states that the fragments which filled G1072 the twelve baskets were "of the five barley loaves," directly linking the abundant result to its humble source material John 6:13.
In summary, G2916 is a highly specific term whose biblical importance comes entirely from its role in the feeding of the five thousand. By identifying the loaves as "consisting of barley," the text highlights the contrast between the humble, finite resource and the infinite, miraculous provision that resulted from it. It is a key detail that frames our understanding of this powerful demonstration of divine abundance.
TRV