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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because they often encapsulate profound meanings that enhance our interpretation of Scripture. The term ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothumadon) is particularly significant as it appears in Acts 1:14, describing the unity and purpose of the early Christians in prayer. This word, which translates as “with one accord” or “together,” emphasizes the importance of communal agreement and collective action in the early Church. By examining ὁμοθυμαδόν, we can gain insights into the dynamics of early Christian gatherings and their impact on community formation and spiritual vitality, reflecting broader cultural values of unity and cooperation in ancient Greek society.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothumadon) [ho-mo-thoo-mah-don]

Etymology: The term is a compound of two words: ὁμός (homos), meaning “same” or “together,” and θυμός (thumos), meaning “mind” or “spirit.” Together, they convey the idea of being in one mind or having a shared spirit, underscoring a sense of unity in purpose and intent.

Part of Speech: Adverb; it is used to describe an action that is performed collectively or in unity.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

With One Accord

The primary meaning of ὁμοθυμαδόν is “with one accord,” indicating that a group of people is united in their purpose or action. This term highlights the collective will and agreement among individuals, suggesting harmony and cooperation.

In Agreement

In addition to signifying unity, ὁμοθυμαδόν also implies being in agreement on a specific matter. This aspect reflects the shared beliefs or intentions that drive a community’s actions, particularly in religious or social contexts.

Together

The term can also suggest simply being “together” in a physical or social sense, reinforcing the importance of communal gatherings and shared experiences in building relationships and fostering community.

Exploring Similar Words

ὁμός (homos) [ho-mos’]: This term means “same” or “similar.” While ὁμοθυμαδόν emphasizes unity in spirit and purpose, ὁμός focuses on the similarity of elements or characteristics within a group.

συναγωγή (synagōgē) [sun-ag-o-gay’]: Meaning “gathering” or “assembly,” this term refers to a formal meeting, particularly in a religious context. While both terms emphasize communal aspects, συναγωγή often denotes a more organized structure, whereas ὁμοθυμαδόν focuses on the unity of purpose.

ὁμολογέω (homologeō) [ho-mo-lo-geh’-o]: This verb means “to confess” or “to agree.” It highlights a shared acknowledgment of beliefs or truths, similar to the unity conveyed by ὁμοθυμαδόν, but with a specific focus on verbal affirmation.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, ὁμοθυμαδόν functions to describe how actions are performed rather than to indicate a specific grammatical case.

Formation: The word is derived from two roots, making it a compound adverb that conveys both collective action and unified intent.

For a deeper understanding of reading Greek, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Insights from various Greek lexicons reveal that ὁμοθυμαδόν is integral to understanding the dynamics of the early Christian community. In Acts 1:14, it describes how the apostles and disciples were united in prayer, emphasizing the power of collective intention in their spiritual journey. Lexicons highlight that this term encapsulates the essence of early Christian fellowship, where believers gathered not only for worship but also to support and encourage one another. The use of ὁμοθυμαδόν reflects broader cultural values of unity, communal identity, and shared purpose that were vital in ancient Greek society.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Acts 1:14: “These all continued with one accord (ὁμοθυμαδόν) in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.”

• Acts 2:1: “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord (ὁμοθυμαδόν) in one place.”

• Acts 4:24: “So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord (ὁμοθυμαδόν) and said: ‘Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them.’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text

Plato Republic “The citizens must act with one accord (ὁμοθυμαδόν) for the good of the city.”

Aristotle Politics “A good polity is achieved when the people come together with one accord (ὁμοθυμαδόν).”

Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War “The allies met and decided to act with one accord (ὁμοθυμαδόν) against their enemies.”

Septuagint Psalms 133:1 “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (ὁμοθυμαδόν)!”

Septuagint Ecclesiastes 4:9 “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.”

Septuagint Isaiah 52:8 “Your watchmen shall lift up their voices; with their voices they shall sing together (ὁμοθυμαδόν).”

Noteworthy Summary

The term ὁμοθυμαδόν (homothumadon) signifies a powerful concept of unity and collective action within the New Testament and classical literature. Its appearance in Acts emphasizes the early Christians’ shared purpose in prayer and fellowship, illustrating the importance of communal support in spiritual journeys. By examining the morphological characteristics of ὁμοθυμαδόν and its associations with similar Greek terms, we enhance our understanding of its significance in both biblical and cultural contexts.

Did You Know?

Cultural Significance: In ancient Greek society, collective action and unity were vital for achieving common goals, especially in political and social contexts.

Impact on Early Christianity: The emphasis on unity in early Christian texts reflects the movement’s foundational values, where believers supported one another in faith and mission.

Philosophical Connections: The notion of unity expressed in ὁμοθυμαδόν resonates with Greek philosophical ideals of community and collective good, underscoring the blending of cultural values in early Christian thought.