### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **bátos**, represented by `{{G943}}`, is a term for a **measure** for liquids, specifically a bath. It is of Hebrew origin and appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single appearance highly specific in its context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G943}}` is found in the Parable of the Unjust Steward [[Luke 16:6]]. In this passage, a debtor states his obligation as "An hundred **measures** of oil." The word **bátos** quantifies a significant commercial amount, setting the stage for the steward's shrewd action of reducing the debt. The context is one of worldly commerce and debt, where this specific unit of liquid **measure** plays a key role in the narrative.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the transaction involving the **bátos**:
* `{{G1540}}` **hekatón** (a hundred): This numerical term is used to quantify the **measures** of oil in the parable [[Luke 16:6]]. It is frequently used to denote large, specific quantities, such as the **hundred** sheep in another of Jesus' parables [[Luke 15:4]].
* `{{G1637}}` **élaion** (oil): This is the commodity being measured by the **bátos**. **Oil** was a vital resource, used for practical purposes and as a symbol of preparedness, as seen in the Parable of the Ten Virgins [[Matthew 25:8]].
* `{{G1121}}` **grámma** (bill, letter, scripture): This refers to the written document, or "**bill**," that records the debt [[Luke 16:6]]. The term also carries the weightier meaning of the written law or "**scriptures**," which are able to make one wise for salvation [[2 Timothy 3:15]].
* `{{G1125}}` **gráphō** (to write): This is the action the debtor is told to perform to alter his bill. The verb is central to the concept of scriptural authority, often appearing in the phrase "it is **written**" to establish divine truth [[Matthew 4:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G943}}` is derived entirely from its narrative function in the parable.
* **Stewardship of Resources:** The use of `{{G943}}` in a parable about a debt of **oil** `{{G1637}}` underscores the theme of stewardship. The story uses this tangible **measure** to teach a lesson about how believers should manage worldly resources to gain an eternal reward [[Luke 16:9]].
* **The Nature of Debt:** The specific amount—"an hundred **measures**"—frames the concept of debt in concrete terms [[Luke 16:6]]. This serves as a backdrop for teachings on forgiveness and mercy, where a literal debt in a story illustrates a spiritual principle.
* **Written Accountability:** The debt of 100 **measures** is recorded on a **bill** `{{G1121}}`, which is then altered. This connects the physical measurement to written accountability, highlighting how the "letter" of an obligation can be subject to an act of mercy or shrewd management. The action of changing the bill from 100 to fifty `{{G4004}}` is the central pivot of the parable's earthly lesson.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G943}}` **bátos** is a highly specific term whose single scriptural appearance is pivotal to its context. While it simply means a **measure**, its use in the Parable of the Unjust Steward gives it significant weight, serving as the unit of account in a lesson about worldly shrewdness and eternal stewardship. It demonstrates how a common, commercial term can be used within a parable to illustrate profound truths about debt, mercy, and how one's actions with material resources have spiritual consequences.
TRV