Lexical Summary talantiaios: Of a talent, pertaining to a talent Original Word: ταλαντιαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance weight of a talent. From talanton; talent-like in weight -- weight of a talent. see GREEK talanton NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom talanton Definition worth a talent, i.e. of a talent's weight NASB Translation one hundred pounds (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5006: ταλαντιαῖοςταλαντιαῖος, ταλαντιαία, ταλαντιαιον (τάλαντον, which see; like δραχμιαῖος, στιγμιαιος, δακτυλιαιος, λιτριαιος, etc.; see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 544), of the weight or worth of a talent: Revelation 16:21. (Demosthenes, Aristotle, Polybius, Diodorus, Josephus, Plutarch, others.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope A descriptive adjective found once in the Greek New Testament, designating an object whose mass equals the ancient unit known as a “talent.” In Revelation 16:21 the word modifies “hailstones,” presenting a striking picture of divine judgment so severe that each chunk of ice weighs roughly thirty-five to forty kilograms (others calculate up to fifty kilograms, depending on the regional talent in view). Biblical Occurrence Revelation 16:21: “And great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, fell from heaven on mankind, and people blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since this plague was extremely severe.” This single usage appears within the seventh bowl, the climactic series of judgments poured out just prior to the return of Jesus Christ. The enormity of the hailstones heightens the sense of finality and underscores the futility of human rebellion. Historical Background of the Talent 1. Monetary weight. In the Greco-Roman world a “talent” was primarily a measure of weight—about 6,000 drachmas. When used of precious metals, it represented an enormous sum, equivalent to a laborer’s wages for several decades. Theological Significance in Revelation • Manifestation of the seventh bowl’s completion. The unprecedented hail parallels the trumpet and seal judgments, yet surpasses them in magnitude, indicating the consummation of God’s wrath (Revelation 15:1). Old Testament Precursors of Hail Judgment Exodus 9:18-26 – plague on Egypt Joshua 10:11 – hailstones against the Amorites Psalm 18:12-13; Psalm 78:47-48; Isaiah 28:2; Ezekiel 13:13 – prophetic and poetic references associating hail with divine warfare or discipline. These passages create an interpretive backdrop: hail is repeatedly the Lord’s artillery, reinforcing His supremacy over creation. Related New Testament Concepts 1. Talent as stewardship (Matthew 25:14-30). While etymologically distinct, the parable’s “talent” shares the imagery of weight and value, reminding believers that what God entrusts must be responsibly managed. Applications for Ministry • Preaching on Warning and Mercy. The verse calls pastors to declare both judgment and the open door of repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Conclusion The lone New Testament appearance of this talent-weighted term powerfully encapsulates the gravity of eschatological judgment. It unites biblical history, prophecy, and theology, impressing on every generation the urgency of repentance and the certainty of God’s righteous reign. Forms and Transliterations ταλαντιαια ταλαντιαία talantiaia talantiaíaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |