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G5518 · Greek · New Testament
χοῖνιξ
choinix
Noun
quart (dry measure), choenix

Definition

Choinix (G5518) is a unit of dry measure roughly equal to one quart or about one liter — the daily ration of grain for one person. It appears only in Revelation 6:6 in the third seal judgment: 'A quart [choinix] of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts [choenixes] of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and the wine!' The price described is approximately ten times the normal cost — representing severe scarcity, famine conditions where a day's wages (a denarius) buys only one day's food.

Usage & Theological Significance

The choinix of the third seal (Rev 6:5-6) represents the Black Horse of famine — economic collapse and food scarcity as divine judgment. A single choinix of wheat per denarius means a laborer works all day for barely enough bread for himself alone. The theological weight is in the contrast: 'do not harm the oil and the wine' — luxuries remain available to the wealthy while staples become unaffordable for the poor. Judgment often reveals and exacerbates existing inequalities. The same passage calls believers to prophetic awareness: famine is not only a judgment to fear but a condition to notice, grieve, and respond to — as Jesus fed the hungry crowds and promised that in His kingdom, the hungry would be filled (Luke 6:21).

Key Bible Verses

Revelation 6:6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, 'A quart [choinix] of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts [choenixes] of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and the wine!'
Revelation 6:5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, 'Come!' And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand.
Luke 6:21 Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.
Matthew 14:17-19 We have only five loaves here and two fish... And he took the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven he blessed and broke.
Amos 8:5 Saying, 'When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? ... making the ephah small and the shekel great.'

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