### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sîtos**, represented by `{{G4621}}`, refers to **grain**, and is used especially for **wheat**. It appears **14 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. This term is employed both in its literal sense as a vital agricultural product and food source, and figuratively to illustrate profound spiritual truths concerning believers, judgment, and resurrection.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its literal usage, `{{G4621}}` appears as a staple commodity and a measure of wealth. Jacob sent his sons to Egypt upon hearing there was **corn** `{{G4621}}` there [[Acts 7:12]]. It is listed among valuable trade goods like cinnamon and oil [[Revelation 18:13]], and its price is noted during a time of scarcity [[Revelation 6:6]]. Figuratively, it is central to several parables and prophecies. Jesus speaks of a corn of **wheat** `{{G4621}}` that must fall into the ground and die to bring forth fruit [[John 12:24]]. In the parable of the tares, **wheat** `{{G4621}}` is sown in a field, but an enemy sows tares among it [[Matthew 13:25]], setting up a metaphor for the righteous and the wicked coexisting until the harvest.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of `{{G4621}}`:
* `{{G2215}}` **zizánion** (tares): This word for "darnel or false grain" is used in direct contrast to **wheat**. In the time of harvest, the reapers are instructed to gather the **tares** `{{G2215}}` for burning but to gather the **wheat** into the barn [[Matthew 13:30]].
* `{{G892}}` **áchyron** (chaff): This term represents the worthless part of the grain that is separated during threshing. John the Baptist prophesies that the one to come will gather the **wheat** into the garner but will burn up the **chaff** `{{G892}}` with unquenchable fire [[Matthew 3:12]].
* `{{G2326}}` **therismós** (harvest): This word for "reaping, i.e. the crop" signifies the time of judgment and separation. The **wheat** and tares are to grow together until the **harvest** `{{G2326}}`, when the final sorting takes place [[Matthew 13:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G4621}}` is conveyed through its powerful agricultural metaphors.
* **The People of God:** In parables, **wheat** consistently symbolizes the righteous or the children of the kingdom, who are to be preserved and gathered into God's barn [[Matthew 13:30]].
* **Divine Sifting and Judgment:** The process of separating **wheat** from chaff illustrates divine judgment. One with a **fan** `{{G4425}}` in his hand will "throughly purge his floor" ([[Matthew 3:12]], [[Luke 3:17]]). Satan's desire to test Simon is described as an intent to **sift** `{{G4617}}` him as **wheat** [[Luke 22:31]].
* **Life Through Death:** The cycle of a grain of **wheat** falling to the ground and dying to produce much fruit serves as a foundational illustration of sacrificial death leading to resurrection and spiritual fruitfulness [[John 12:24]]. This is echoed in the teaching that a "bare grain" of **wheat** is what is sown, not the body that it will become [[1 Corinthians 15:37]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4621}}` **sîtos** carries meaning far beyond its literal definition of grain or wheat. While it functions as a basic commodity in historical narratives, its primary impact comes from its use in parables and prophecy. It serves as a consistent biblical symbol for the righteous, providing a clear contrast to the worthless chaff and deceptive tares. Through the imagery of sowing, sifting, and harvesting, **sîtos** illustrates fundamental Christian concepts of judgment, purification, and the essential principle of resurrection life emerging from death.
TRV