### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **choînix**, represented by `{{G5518}}`, is defined as **a chœnix or certain dry measure**. Though its derivation is uncertain, its biblical application is highly specific. It appears **2 times** across **1 unique verses** in the Bible, where it serves as a unit for measuring dry goods like grain.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical appearance of `{{G5518}}` is in the apocalyptic vision of Revelation. A voice from among the four beasts declares, "A **measure** of wheat for a penny, and three **measures** of barley for a penny" [[Revelation 6:6]]. In this context, the **measure** signifies a time of extreme scarcity and economic hardship, where a single measure of a basic foodstuff costs a full day's wage. The verse also commands that the oil and wine not be hurt, creating a stark contrast between staple grains and other goods.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide essential context for the use of **choînix**:
* `{{G1220}}` **dēnárion** (of Latin origin; a denarius (or ten asses):--pence, penny(-worth)): This is the price assigned to the measure of wheat. Context from elsewhere shows a denarius was a standard day's wage for a laborer [[Matthew 20:2]].
* `{{G2915}}` **krithḗ** (of uncertain derivation; barley:--barley): This is the less valuable grain being measured, with three measures of **barley** costing the same as one of wheat [[Revelation 6:6]].
* `{{G4621}}` **sîtos** (of uncertain derivation; grain, especially wheat:--corn, wheat): This represents the primary staple food. Its high price per **measure** in Revelation underscores the severity of the famine described [[Revelation 6:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5518}}` is derived entirely from its single, powerful context in scripture.
* **Symbol of Famine and Scarcity:** The word is used to quantify the effects of divine judgment. The proclamation that a small **measure** of wheat will cost a denarius indicates a devastating famine where basic survival requires a full day's work.
* **Instrument of Judgment:** Occurring within the prophecy of the four horsemen, the **choînix** serves not just as a unit of commerce but as a metric of God's controlled judgment upon the earth.
* **Economic Disparity:** The high cost of a **measure** of wheat or barley, set against the command to "hurt not the oil and the wine" [[Revelation 6:6]], highlights a period of severe economic imbalance where staples are scarce but luxuries are preserved.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5518}}` **choînix** is a simple term for a dry **measure** that takes on immense symbolic meaning in its biblical usage. Its appearance in Revelation transforms it from a common unit of volume into a powerful emblem of famine, economic collapse, and divine judgment. This demonstrates how a technical term can be used in scripture to convey profound theological truths about the end times.
TRV