### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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