The meaning of “κάλαμος”
Understanding kálamos reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
of uncertain affinity pen, reed. - a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant) - by implication, a pen
κάλαμος
of uncertain affinity pen, reed. - a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant) - by implication, a pen
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 27:29 | “And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!” Word: κάλαμος (kálamos) | |
| Mark 15:36 | “And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down.” Word: κάλαμος (kálamos) | |
| Luke 7:24 | “And when the messengers of John were departed, he began to speak unto the people concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness for to see? A reed shaken with the wind?” Word: κάλαμος (kálamos) | |
| 3 John 1:13 | “I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee:” Word: κάλαμος (kálamos) | |
| Revelation 21:15 | “And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.” Word: κάλαμος (kálamos) |