Mile
Summary
The mile mentioned in the New Testament was the Roman mile, a unit of distance equal to approximately 1,618 English yards or about nine-tenths of an English statute mile.
☩Definition and Usage
The mile (Greek μίλιον) was the Roman unit of distance consisting of 1,000 paces (passus), with each pace measuring five Roman feet, yielding a total of 5,000 Roman feet. This equaled approximately 1,618 English yards, making it about 142 yards shorter than the English statute mile. The Roman mile contained eight Greek stadia. Jesus referenced this measurement when teaching about going the second mile with one who compels service.
☩Milestones in Palestine
The Romans constructed roads throughout Palestine and marked them with milestones (milliaria) indicating distances from principal places. These stones can still be seen in various locations, particularly on roads leading north and west from Jerusalem. The Jewish mile was said to be of two kinds—long and short—depending on the length of the pace used in different regions.
Related Verses1 mention
Matthew· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Mile," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VI (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Mile," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Mile," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 4.Philip Schaff and Johann Herzog (ed.), "MILE," in The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge, vol. VII (Funk and Wagnalls, 1908–1914).