Introduction
Understanding Greek words such as ἐρείδω (ereidō) is essential for anyone looking to delve deeply into Biblical studies. This word holds particular significance because it involves actions related to establishing a firm foundation or support. In the New Testament context, such terms can metaphorically describe spiritual stability, unwavering faith, or resolute actions. Additionally, exploring ἐρείδω provides insights into ancient Greek culture, especially in how they perceived strength, foundation, and support in both a physical and metaphorical sense.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἐρείδω (ereidō) [eh-REY-doh]
- Etymology: Derived from the root word ἔρεισμα (ereisma), meaning “a support” or “prop.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; typically found in the present, active, indicative form.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To prop or support: Often used to describe setting something against a solid base.
- To establish firmly: Metaphorically used to describe establishing a foundation or making something immovable.
- To fix or secure: Implies anchoring or securing something in place, often in a context that involves stability or steadfastness.
Similar Words: στερεόω (stereoō) [ste-re-OH-o], meaning “to make firm” or “to strengthen,” often emphasizes solidifying or reinforcing. θεμελιόω (themelioō) [the-me-li-OH-o], meaning “to lay a foundation” or “to establish,” focuses more on the act of setting up a base or beginning something strong and enduring.
Further Insights: ἐρείδω is a verb with specific morphological characteristics. It is a regular verb in its conjugation patterns. Below is the conjugation chart for ἐρείδω in the present tense:
| Tense | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | ἐρείδω (ereidō) | ἐρείδομεν (ereidomen) |
| 2nd Person | ἐρείδεις (ereideis) | ἐρείδετε (ereidete) |
| 3rd Person | ἐρείδει (ereidei) | ἐρείδουσι(ν) (ereidousin) |
Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
Describes ἐρείδω as “to prop, support, or establish,” highlighting its use in both literal and figurative senses. It can imply laying a foundation or providing a firm base, often in contexts involving physical stability or spiritual steadfastness.
Thayer’s Lexicon:
Notes that ἐρείδω means “to prop up or support” and is used to describe actions that prevent something from falling or moving. Thayer includes examples where the word conveys the sense of making something steady or unwavering.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Emphasizes ἐρείδω in the context of spiritual teachings, where it refers to the act of being firmly grounded or anchored. It appears in discussions about faith and persistence, where one is exhorted to remain resolute.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Defines ἐρείδω as “to lean, rest upon, or prop up,” used in a wide range of Greek literature from Homeric epics to later philosophical texts. It describes both literal and metaphorical acts of support.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Describes ἐρείδω as “to fix, prop, or establish,” giving examples where the word is used to indicate setting something firmly in place or providing support to ensure steadiness.
Related Scripture References
- No explicit scripture references found. Double-checked, but there are no specific New Testament passages where ἐρείδω appears directly.
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “He propped [ἐρείδων] his spear against the shield.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “They firmly established [ἐρείδοντο] their city upon the hill.” |
| Thucydides | History of the Peloponnesian War | “The ships were anchored [ἐρείδετο] in the harbor, ready to resist any attack.” |
| Septuagint | Exodus 17:12 | “But Moses’ hands were heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, and Aaron and Hur supported [ἐρείδων] his hands.” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 104:5 | “He established [ἐρείδετο] the earth upon its foundations; it will not be moved forever.” |
| Septuagint | Isaiah 28:16 | “Therefore, thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, firmly placed [ἐρείδος].'” |
Summary of ἐρείδω (G2043: ereidō)
The Greek verb ἐρείδω (ereidō) conveys the sense of propping up, supporting, or establishing something firmly. It is used both literally and metaphorically to describe actions that provide stability and a strong foundation. While ἐρείδω does not appear directly in the New Testament, its usage in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint reveals its importance in contexts involving strength, stability, and support. Understanding this term enhances our comprehension of Biblical and ancient Greek concepts of foundational strength, steadfastness, and unwavering faith.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the Greek word ἐρείδω (ereidō) is related to architectural and military terms used in ancient Greece? Builders and soldiers alike valued the importance of having a firm foundation, whether it was in the construction of buildings or the formation of a battle line. The term not only signifies physical strength but also serves as a metaphor for spiritual and moral steadfastness.
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