### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word σάτον (sáton, `{{G4568}}`) is a noun referring to a specific dry measure. It is directly derived from the Hebrew word סְאָה (sĕ'āh, `{{H5429}}`), indicating a direct semantic and conceptual lineage from the Old Testament to the New. A *sáton* or *seah* was a unit of capacity for dry goods, primarily grains or flour. While precise modern equivalents vary, it is generally understood to be approximately 7-13 liters (or 1.5-3 gallons), often calculated as one-third of an ephah (`{{H603}}`). Its semantic range is narrow, strictly denoting this unit of measurement, without significant metaphorical or abstract extensions in its New Testament usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term σάτον (sáton) appears exclusively in the Synoptic Gospels, specifically in the Parable of the Leaven.
1. **[[Matthew 13:33]]**: "The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures (σάτα) of flour till it was all leavened."
* **Context**: In this parable, Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven. The "three measures" (τρία σάτα) represent a considerable quantity of flour, enough to bake a substantial amount of bread, possibly sufficient for a large family or even a small community. This quantity echoes Old Testament accounts, such as Abraham's instruction to Sarah to prepare "three seahs of fine flour" for their angelic visitors in [[Genesis 18:6]].
* **Significance**: The large volume of flour underscores the pervasive and transformative power of the leaven. Despite the leaven being a small, hidden agent, its influence is complete, affecting the entire mass. The use of a common household measure grounds the abstract concept of the Kingdom in a relatable, everyday scenario.
2. **[[Luke 13:21]]**: "It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures (σάτα) of flour, until it was all leavened."
* **Context**: Luke's account is a direct parallel to Matthew's, conveying the same message with virtually identical wording.
* **Significance**: The repetition in Luke reinforces the importance of the "three measures" as a symbol of the comprehensive scope of the Kingdom's influence. It highlights the quiet, internal, yet thorough way the Kingdom expands and transforms.
In both instances, σάτον serves as a concrete, familiar detail, emphasizing the scale upon which the seemingly small force of the Kingdom of God operates to bring about complete transformation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Origin:** The direct lineage to the Hebrew סְאָה (sĕ'āh, `{{H5429}}`) is crucial, demonstrating continuity in measurement standards and cultural context between the Old and New Testaments.
* **Other Dry Measures:** The *sáton* (seah) exists within a system of ancient dry measures, often related to the *ephah* (`{{H603}}`, `{{G2187}}`), with a *sáton* being one-third of an ephah. Other related terms include the *omer* (`{{H6016}}`) and *cor* (`{{H3564}}`, `{{G2884}}`).
* **Leaven (ζύμη, `{{G2219}}`):** This is the primary conceptual partner to σάτον in its New Testament usage. While σάτον denotes the *quantity* of the medium, leaven signifies the *agent* of transformation. The interaction between the small amount of leaven and the large "three measures" of flour is central to the parable's message of pervasive influence.
* **Kingdom of Heaven/God (βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν/τοῦ θεοῦ, `{{G932}}`):** The ultimate theological concept illustrated by the parable involving σάτον. The measure of flour represents the sphere or extent of the Kingdom's influence, highlighting its expansive and transformative nature.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σάτον is derived from its function within the Parable of the Leaven, where it serves as a critical element in illustrating the nature of the Kingdom of God.
1. **Pervasive Growth and Transformation:** The "three measures of flour" (σάτα) signify a substantial quantity, often interpreted as representing the world, humanity, or the vast sphere into which the Kingdom expands. The small, hidden leaven within this large measure illustrates the subtle, yet utterly pervasive and complete growth of the Kingdom of God. It suggests that the Kingdom, though starting inconspicuously, will ultimately permeate and transform the entire "batch" it encounters.
2. **Internal and Organic Influence:** Unlike parables depicting external growth (e.g., the mustard seed), the leaven parable, by using σάτον as the container for the leavening process, emphasizes an internal, organic, and transformative work. The Kingdom operates from within, changing the very nature of that which it permeates.
3. **Divine Operation in the Ordinary:** The use of a common household unit like σάτον in a parable about the Kingdom of Heaven highlights that God's redemptive work is not confined to grand, miraculous displays but effectively operates within the ordinary, domestic, and seemingly mundane spheres of life. The woman baking bread is a relatable, everyday activity that becomes a powerful metaphor for God's quiet yet profound activity in the world.
4. **Completeness and Sufficiency:** The specific quantity of "three measures" (σάτα) may also carry a symbolic weight of completeness or sufficiency, echoing its use in Old Testament hospitality and provision. This reinforces the idea that the Kingdom's work is thorough and will ultimately achieve its full, intended effect.
### Summary
The Greek word σάτον (sáton, `{{G4568}}`), derived from the Hebrew `{{H5429}}`, denotes a specific dry measure, approximately 7-13 liters. Its sole New Testament occurrences are in the Parable of the Leaven in [[Matthew 13:33]] and [[Luke 13:21]]. In these passages, "three measures" (τρία σάτα) of flour represent a substantial quantity, serving as a tangible illustration for the pervasive and transformative power of the Kingdom of Heaven. The word itself is a concrete detail, grounding the abstract spiritual truth in a relatable, domestic setting. Theologically, σάτον is significant for its role in conveying the Kingdom's subtle, internal, yet complete permeation and growth throughout humanity or the world, originating from a small and unassuming beginning.
TRV