Greek · G4747 · unreviewed

στοιχεῖον

Principle

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στοιχεῖον G4747
Pronunciation stoicheîon

What does στοιχεῖον (stoicheîon) mean in the Bible?

στοιχεῖον (stoicheîon) is a Greek word meaning "principle". στοιχεῖον, -ου, τό [in LXX: Wis. Refers to foundational truths of the faith. This term runs through the canonical themes of Faith.

Full entry for στοιχεῖον (G4747) · Browse the biblical lexicon

Meaning

principle
Extended definition

Elementary principles or fundamental components, from basic alphabet letters to cosmic powers controlling human existence.

prop., one of a row (στοῖχος) or series, hence,

1the shadow-line of a dial (Aristoph.).
2an elementary sound or letter of the alphabet (Anth., Plut., π.).
3the elements or rudiments of knowledge (Arist., al.) Heb.5:12; πτωχὰ σ., Gal.4:9; σ. τοῦ κόσμου, Gal.4:3, Col.2:8, 20 (but see infr.).
4The material elements of the universe (Plat.; LXX, ll. with): 2Pe.3:10 3:12.
5The heavenly bodies (Ding. Laert.).
6The demons or tutelary spirits of nature (Enoch., Test., Sol., al.; for this sense in Ga, Col, ll. with, see ICC on Col.2:8; Enc. Bibl., see word " Elements ").
Source: STEPBible TBESG + Abbott-Smith
Why This Word Matters
Refers to foundational truths of the faith. Hebrews 5:11-14
Grammatical Forms

How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.

Nominative · Plural · Neuter 2 Pet 3:10 · 2 Pet 3:12
Genitive · Plural · Neuter Col 2:20
Accusative · Plural · Neuter Gal 4:3 · Gal 4:9 · Col 2:8 · Heb 5:12
Canonical Themes
Biblical Occurrences

Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.

Word Pictures (Robertson)

A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.

A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain

Sources