### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stádion**, represented by `{{G4712}}`, is a term with a dual meaning, referring to a **furlong** (a fixed measure of distance) or, by implication, a **race**-course. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**. The word's usage shifts between establishing literal, geographic distances and providing the powerful metaphor of a spiritual race.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In Scripture, `{{G4712}}` is most frequently used as a unit of measurement. It establishes the distance from Jerusalem to the village of Emmaus as "threescore **furlongs**" [[Luke 24:13]] and notes that Bethany was "nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen **furlongs** off" [[John 11:18]]. This term is also used to describe immense, apocalyptic scales, such as the New Jerusalem which measures "twelve thousand **furlongs**" [[Revelation 21:16]] and a flow of blood from a winepress that extends for "a thousand and six hundred **furlongs**" [[Revelation 14:20]]. Its other key meaning is found in the context of a competition, where believers are exhorted to run in a **race** to obtain a prize [[1 Corinthians 9:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G4712}}` is used:
* `{{G5143}}` **tréchō** (to run or walk hastily): This verb is directly paired with `{{G4712}}` to describe the action within the stadium. In [[1 Corinthians 9:24]], Paul states that those who **run** in a **race** all participate in the same event.
* `{{G1017}}` **brabeîon** (a prize in the public games): This is the goal of competing in the **race** `{{G4712}}`. The exhortation in [[1 Corinthians 9:24]] is to run in such a way as to receive the **prize**.
* `{{G3354}}` **metréō** (to measure): This word is linked to the use of `{{G4712}}` as a unit of distance. In Revelation, an angel is instructed to **measure** the holy city, whose dimensions are then given in thousands of **furlongs** [[Revelation 21:16]].
* `{{G4198}}` **poreúomai** (to traverse, i.e. travel): This describes the act of crossing the distances measured by **furlongs**. The two disciples **went** to Emmaus, a journey defined by a specific number of **furlongs** [[Luke 24:13]].
### Theological Significance
The conceptual weight of `{{G4712}}` is found in its application to both earthly and spiritual realities.
* **The Christian Life as a Race:** The most significant theological use of `{{G4712}}` is as a metaphor for the Christian faith. It frames the believer's life as a disciplined contest, where one must **run** with purpose to obtain an eternal **prize** [[1 Corinthians 9:24]].
* **Defining Narrative Space:** The use of **furlongs** grounds key biblical events in a physical, measurable reality. It sets the scene for Jesus walking on water toward His disciples' boat [[John 6:19]] and establishes the setting for the post-resurrection encounter on the road to Emmaus [[Luke 24:13]].
* **Symbol of Divine Scale:** In Revelation, the term is used to convey the vastness of God's plans and judgments. The immense dimensions of the New Jerusalem, measured in thousands of **furlongs**, symbolize its divine perfection and glory [[Revelation 21:16]], while the river of blood measured in **furlongs** illustrates the staggering scope of divine wrath [[Revelation 14:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4712}}` serves as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual. As a **furlong**, it provides tangible measurements that give scale and location to biblical narratives. As a **race**, it offers a powerful and enduring metaphor for the focused, disciplined nature of the Christian journey toward an eternal reward. The word effectively connects the concrete idea of distance with the abstract concepts of spiritual endeavor and eschatological scope.
TRV