of uncertain derivation; grain, especially wheat:--corn, wheat.
Transliteration:sîtos
Pronunciation:see'-tah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun `{{G4621}}` (σῖτος, *sîtos*) primarily denotes "grain," with a particular emphasis on "wheat." While its precise etymological derivation remains uncertain, its semantic range is firmly rooted in the agrarian realities of the ancient world. It refers to the harvested kernels of various cereal crops, but most commonly, it specifies wheat, which was a foundational staple food in the Mediterranean diet. `{{G4621}}` encompasses both the individual kernels and the collective crop, signifying a vital source of sustenance, trade, and agricultural wealth. Its usage consistently points to the raw material from which bread, the most fundamental foodstuff, is produced.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G4621}}` appears sparingly yet significantly in the New Testament, often in contexts that highlight its literal importance as a food source or its profound metaphorical implications.
In literal contexts, `{{G4621}}` underscores the practicalities of life and divine provision. For instance, in [[Acts 7:12]], Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to buy `{{G4621}}` (grain) during a famine, illustrating its necessity for survival. Similarly, in [[Acts 27:38]], during a shipwreck, the sailors throw the `{{G4621}}` (wheat) overboard to lighten the ship, indicating its bulk and value as cargo. In [[Revelation 6:6]], the pronouncement concerning the cost of a measure of `{{G4621}}` (wheat) during the opening of the third seal points to severe economic scarcity and hardship, where a day's wage buys only enough food for one person.
Metaphorically, `{{G4621}}` carries rich theological weight. The most prominent example is found in the parable of the wheat and the tares in [[Matthew 13:24-30]] and its explanation in [[Matthew 13:36-43]]. Here, the `{{G4621}}` (wheat) represents the "sons of the kingdom," the righteous who are sown by the Son of Man, contrasting with the "tares" (weeds) which represent the "sons of the evil one." This parable speaks to the coexistence of good and evil in the world until the final harvest (judgment). Another profound metaphorical use is in [[John 12:24]], where Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of `{{G4621}}` (wheat) falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit." This verse serves as a powerful analogy for Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection, as well as the principle of spiritual fruitfulness that comes through self-denial and surrender for believers. In [[Luke 16:7]], `{{G4621}}` is used in the parable of the unrighteous manager, referring to measures of wheat as a debt.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field surrounding `{{G4621}}` includes several related terms that illuminate its meaning and theological significance:
* **`{{G4690}}` (σπέρμα, *sperma*):** "Seed." While `{{G4621}}` refers to the harvested grain, `{{G4690}}` is the general term for seed used in sowing. In the parable of the sower, `{{G4690}}` is sown, and in the parable of the wheat and tares, `{{G4621}}` is the desired outcome of the good `{{G4690}}`.
* **`{{G741}}` (ἄρτος, *artos*):** "Bread." `{{G4621}}` is the raw material from which `{{G741}}` is made. The transformation of grain into bread signifies sustenance and the daily provision from God.
* **`{{G2855}}` (κόκκος, *kokkos*):** "Grain, kernel." This term can be used interchangeably with `{{G4621}}` when referring to a single kernel, as seen in [[John 12:24]] ("a grain of wheat").
* **`{{G2597}}` (καρπός, *karpos*):** "Fruit, produce." `{{G4621}}` is a specific type of `{{G2597}}`, representing the desired yield of agricultural labor and, metaphorically, spiritual fruitfulness.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Old Testament, the Hebrew `{{H2406}}` (חִטָּה, *ḥiṭṭâ*), specifically "wheat," and `{{H1715}}` (דָּגָן, *dāgān*), a more general term for "grain" or "corn," correspond closely to the semantic range of `{{G4621}}`. These terms also highlight the centrality of grain in the ancient Israelite economy and diet, as well as its symbolic use in offerings and blessings.
Concepts related to `{{G4621}}` include harvest, sustenance, provision, judgment, life, death, and resurrection.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4621}}` is multifaceted, touching upon divine provision, the nature of the Kingdom of God, and the path to spiritual life.
Firstly, `{{G4621}}` represents **divine sustenance and provision**. As a fundamental food source, its presence signifies blessing and life, while its scarcity points to judgment or hardship. The daily need for `{{G4621}}` implicitly connects to the prayer for "daily bread," acknowledging God as the ultimate provider of all necessities.
Secondly, `{{G4621}}` is central to understanding **spiritual discernment and eschatological judgment**. The parable of the wheat and the tares in Matthew's Gospel uses `{{G4621}}` as a metaphor for the righteous within the Kingdom of God. The eventual separation of the wheat from the tares at the harvest symbolizes the final judgment, where God will distinguish between those who truly belong to Him and those who do not. This emphasizes God's patience, allowing both to grow together until the appointed time of separation.
Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, `{{G4621}}` illuminates the **principle of life through death and spiritual fruitfulness**. Jesus' declaration in [[John 12:24]] about the grain of wheat falling into the earth and dying is a direct prophecy of His own death and resurrection. Just as a seed must "die" to its present form to bring forth new life and abundant fruit, so too did Christ's sacrifice open the way for the salvation of many. This principle also extends to the believer: true spiritual fruitfulness often comes through self-sacrifice, humility, and a willingness to "die to self" for the sake of the Gospel and the Kingdom.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G4621}}` (σῖτος, *sîtos*) primarily denotes "grain," especially "wheat," a foundational staple in the ancient world. Its biblical occurrences range from literal references to food supply and economic value, as seen in [[Acts 7:12]] and [[Revelation 6:6]], to profound metaphorical uses. Most notably, `{{G4621}}` serves as a powerful symbol in two key theological concepts: the eschatological separation of the righteous from the wicked in the parable of the wheat and tares ([[Matthew 13:24-30]], [[Matthew 13:36-43]]), and the principle of life through death and abundant spiritual fruitfulness exemplified by Christ's sacrifice ([[John 12:24]]). Related terms like `{{G4690}}` (seed) and `{{G741}}` (bread) further contextualize its significance. Thus, `{{G4621}}` transcends its literal meaning to convey deep truths about divine provision, the nature of God's Kingdom, and the transformative power of self-sacrificial love.
TRV