Original Word: κάλαμος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: kalamos
Pronunciation: KAL-ah-mos
Phonetic Spelling: (kal'-am-os)
Definition: Reed, staff, measuring rod, pen
Meaning: a reed; a reed-pen, reed-staff, measuring rod.

pen, reed.

Or uncertain affinity; a reed (the plant or its stem, or that of a similar plant); by implication, a pen -- pen, reed.

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a reed
NASB Translation
measuring rod (2), pen (1), reed (8), rod (1).

STRONGS NT 2563: κάλαμος

κάλαμος, καλάμου, ὁ, from Pindar down, Latincalamus, i. e.

a. a reed: Matthew 11:7; Matthew 12:20 (from Isaiah 42:3); Luke 7:24.

b. a staff made of a reed, a reed-staff (as in 2 Kings 18:21): Matthew 27:29f, 48; Mark 15:19, 36.

c. a measuring reed or rod: Revelation 11:1; Revelation 21:15f (Ezekiel 40:3-6; Ezekiel 42:16-19).

d. a writer's reed, a pen: 3 John 1:13; (see Gardthausen, Griech. Palaeogr., p. 71f).

Word Origin: Derived from the root word of uncertain affinity.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H7070 קָנֶה (qaneh): This Hebrew word is often translated as "reed" or "stalk" and shares a similar range of meanings with the Greek κάλαμος, including its use as a measuring rod or a symbol of fragility. It appears in various Old Testament passages, such as in the construction of the tabernacle and in prophetic imagery.

Usage: The word κάλαμος is used in various contexts in the New Testament, including as a writing instrument, a measuring tool, or symbolically to represent fragility or instability.

Context: • Literal Usage: In the ancient world, reeds were commonly found in marshy areas and were used for various practical purposes. The κάλαμος was often employed as a writing instrument, similar to a pen, by cutting the end into a nib. This usage is reflected in passages where writing is mentioned.
• Symbolic Usage: The reed is sometimes used metaphorically in Scripture to denote weakness or instability, as reeds are easily swayed by the wind. This symbolism is evident in passages where human frailty or the transient nature of life is highlighted.
• Measuring Rod: In the book of Revelation, κάλαμος is used to describe a measuring rod, indicating its use as a tool for measurement, particularly in the context of divine judgment or the establishment of God's order (Revelation 11:1).
• Biblical References:
• Matthew 11:7 (BSB): "As they went away, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John: 'What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swaying in the wind?'"
• Revelation 11:1 (BSB): "Then I was given a measuring rod like a staff and was told, 'Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the number of worshipers there.'"
• Matthew 27:29 (BSB): "And they twisted together a crown of thorns, set it on His head, and put a staff in His right hand. Then they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, 'Hail, King of the Jews!'"

καλαμον κάλαμον καλαμος κάλαμος καλαμου καλάμου καλαμω καλάμω καλάμῳ kalamo kalamō kalámoi kalámōi kalamon kálamon kalamos kálamos kalamou kalámouInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts