### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
σπυρίς (spyrís, `{{G4711}}`) refers to a "basket," specifically a large one, often described as a "hamper" or "lunch-receptacle." Its etymology is sometimes linked to σπείρω ("to sow"), implying something woven or scattered, though the primary sense relates to the woven form of the container itself. Crucially, σπυρίς denotes a container of substantial size, distinguishing it from the smaller, more common κοφίνος (kophínos, `{{G2894}}`). This larger capacity means it could hold a significant quantity of provisions or even a person, as demonstrated in its biblical usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
σπυρίς appears four times in the New Testament, all within the Synoptic Gospels and Acts, primarily in connection with two distinct miracles of feeding and one escape:
1. **Feeding of the Four Thousand:**
* [[Matthew 15:37]]: "And they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full."
* [[Mark 8:8]]: "So they did eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets."
In both accounts of the feeding of the four thousand, σπυρίς is used to describe the seven large baskets of leftovers. This is a deliberate contrast to the twelve κοφίνος (`{{G2894}}`) baskets collected after the feeding of the five thousand. The larger size of the σπυρίς baskets emphasizes the even greater abundance of the miracle, as seven large baskets could potentially hold more than twelve smaller ones. This distinction is explicitly drawn by Jesus Himself in His later questioning of the disciples ([[Matthew 16:9-10]], [[Mark 8:19-20]]).
2. **Paul's Escape from Damascus:**
* [[Acts 9:25]]: "Then the disciples took him by night, and let him down by the wall in a basket."
Here, σπυρίς describes the large basket (or wicker hamper) in which Saul (Paul) was lowered from the wall of Damascus to escape persecution. This usage confirms the substantial size of the σπυρίς, as it was large enough to contain an adult man. This event is also recounted by Paul in [[2 Corinthians 11:33]], where the word σαργάνη (sargánē, `{{G4553}}`) is used, referring to a "wicker basket" or "rope basket," indicating a similar large, sturdy container.
The consistent use of σπυρίς across these contexts underscores its meaning as a large, often woven, container capable of holding considerable volume or even a person, thereby highlighting the scale of divine provision and protection.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **κοφίνος (kophínos, `{{G2894}}`):** This is the most significant related term. κοφίνος refers to a smaller, often personal, "provision basket." The Gospels meticulously distinguish between the twelve κοφίνος baskets collected after the feeding of the five thousand ([[Matthew 14:20]], [[Mark 6:43]], [[Luke 9:17]], [[John 6:13]]) and the seven σπυρίς baskets after the feeding of the four thousand. This careful distinction, emphasized by Jesus Himself ([[Matthew 16:9-10]], [[Mark 8:19-20]]), serves to highlight the specific nature and scale of each miraculous provision.
* **σαργάνη (sargánē, `{{G4553}}`):** Used in [[2 Corinthians 11:33]] for Paul's escape, this word also denotes a large woven basket, often made of ropes or osiers. Its use in Paul's personal account of the same event described with σπυρίς in [[Acts 9:25]] confirms the nature of the container as a substantial, durable, woven vessel.
* **πλήρωμα (plḗrōma, `{{G4138}}`):** "Fullness" or "that which fills." While not a direct synonym, this concept is intrinsically linked to the use of σπυρίς in the feeding miracles, as the baskets are filled with the abundant leftovers, symbolizing God's overflowing provision.
* **περισσεύω (perisseúō, `{{G4052}}`):** "To abound," "to be left over." This verb describes the superabundance of food that fills the σπυρίς baskets, again pointing to the miraculous nature of Jesus's provision.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of σπυρίς is primarily embedded in its role within the feeding miracles, especially in its deliberate contrast with κοφίνος (`{{G2894}}`).
1. **Abundance and Divine Provision:** The collection of seven σπυρίς baskets of leftovers after feeding 4,000 people powerfully demonstrates Jesus's boundless ability to provide. The fact that large baskets were filled to overflowing underscores that God's provision is not merely sufficient but superabundant, a testament to the overflowing grace of the Kingdom.
2. **Distinction and Memory:** Jesus's explicit questioning of the disciples regarding the number and type of baskets ([[Matthew 16:9-10]], [[Mark 8:19-20]]) highlights the importance of remembering these distinct miracles. The different types of baskets (smaller κοφίνος vs. larger σπυρίς) serve as powerful mnemonic devices, urging the disciples to recall the specific details of God's power and faithfulness. This emphasis on remembering past divine acts is a recurring theme in biblical theology, fostering faith and understanding.
3. **Inclusivity of God's Grace:** Some scholars propose that the feeding of the 5,000 (with κοφίνος baskets) primarily involved Jewish crowds, while the feeding of the 4,000 (with σπυρίς baskets) occurred in Gentile territory (Decapolis). If so, the distinct types of baskets could subtly indicate the equally abundant provision of God for both Jew and Gentile, foreshadowing the universal scope of the Gospel message.
4. **Symbol of Deliverance and Preservation:** In the account of Paul's escape in [[Acts 9:25]], the σπυρίς becomes a tangible symbol of divine protection and the means by which God preserves His chosen instruments for future ministry. Just as the baskets held the abundance of God's provision, so too did a large basket hold and protect the future apostle from harm, allowing the Gospel to continue its spread.
### Summary
The Greek word σπυρίς (spyrís, `{{G4711}}`) designates a large, woven "basket" or "hamper," notably larger than a κοφίνος (`{{G2894}}`). Its four occurrences in the New Testament carry significant theological weight. In the feeding of the four thousand ([[Matthew 15:37]], [[Mark 8:8]]), seven σπυρίς baskets were filled with leftovers, powerfully illustrating Jesus's immense and superabundant provision, a point deliberately emphasized in contrast to the twelve smaller κοφίνος baskets from the feeding of the five thousand. This distinction serves as a profound lesson for the disciples regarding the nature of God's miraculous power. Furthermore, σπυρίς describes the substantial container in which the Apostle Paul was lowered from the wall of Damascus ([[Acts 9:25]]), symbolizing divine preservation and the providential care extended to His servants. Theologically, σπυρίς speaks to the overflowing abundance of God's grace, the importance of remembering His mighty works, the potential inclusivity of His redemptive plan, and His faithfulness in protecting those called to His service.
TRV