Introduction:

In Biblical studies, the careful examination of Greek words used in the New Testament can reveal deeper layers of meaning and provide richer insights into the cultural and historical contexts of the time. One such word is δῶμα (G1430: dôma), which is particularly significant because of its connection to daily life and architecture in the ancient world. Understanding this term not only enhances our interpretation of specific passages but also broadens our comprehension of how people in antiquity lived and interacted with their physical environment. δῶμα is relevant to New Testament interpretation as it frequently refers to parts of a house, a concept that plays a crucial role in various Biblical narratives and parables. Moreover, this word reflects broader ancient Greek cultural and architectural practices, offering a glimpse into the domestic lives of the people.

Key Information:

• Greek Word: δῶμα (dôma) [do’-mah]
• Etymology: Derived from the root δέμω (démō), meaning “to build” or “to construct,” indicating that the word originally referred to something built or constructed.
• Part of Speech: Noun (Neuter, Singular, Third Declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings:

• House, Building, or Structure: Generally refers to any built structure, including a house or building.
• Roof or Upper Room: Specifically, δῶμα can denote the roof of a house or the upper room, which was a significant part of ancient homes.

Similar Words:

• οἰκία (oikía) [oy-kee’-ah]: This word is more commonly used to refer to a house or home, emphasizing the dwelling place rather than the structure itself. While δῶμα can refer to the physical structure or the roof, οἰκία focuses on the concept of the home, including the people and activities within it.
• στέγη (stégē) [steg’-ay]: Specifically refers to a “roof” or “covering.” Unlike δῶμα, which can also refer to the entire building or an upper room, στέγη is more narrowly focused on the roof or top covering of a structure.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Insights:
• The word δῶμα is a neuter noun, which follows the third declension pattern in Greek. This declension impacts its inflection in various grammatical contexts, particularly in how it is used within sentences.
• The root δέμω (démō), meaning “to build,” emphasizes the constructed nature of δῶμα, highlighting its architectural significance in the ancient world.

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG: δῶμα is defined as “a building” or “house,” with a special emphasis on the “roof” or “upper room” of a house, particularly in the context of ancient Israelite and Greco-Roman architecture.

Thayer’s: The term δῶμα primarily refers to the “roof” or “house,” with an additional note that in some contexts, it is specifically used to describe the upper parts of a house, including the roof or upper chambers.

Vine’s: δῶμα is listed as a term for “house” or “dwelling,” with the specific connotation of the “roof” or “upper room,” often used metaphorically in scripture to denote a place of refuge or retreat.

LSJ: δῶμα is described as “a building, house, or edifice,” with historical references to its use in classical Greek literature, where it can denote anything from a grand palace to a simple home.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: δῶμα is noted as “a house” or “building,” with a specific focus on the “roof” as a distinct and important part of the structure in ancient domestic architecture.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 10:27: “What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs (δωμάτων).”
• Matthew 24:17: “Let the one who is on the housetop (δώματος) not go down to take anything out of the house.”

Classical Usage:

Summary:

The word δῶμα (G1430: dôma) offers a window into the everyday life of ancient peoples, particularly in their domestic and architectural practices. Understanding δῶμα in its full context enriches the interpretation of New Testament passages where the concept of a house, roof, or upper room is central. It also highlights how physical spaces were perceived and utilized in ancient Greek and Jewish cultures. Through this word, we gain insight into not only the structural aspects of homes but also the social and cultural significance of domestic spaces in antiquity.

Did You Know?

Did You Know? In ancient Israel, the roof (δῶμα) of a house was often used as an additional living space, particularly in the evenings, where families would gather to cool down and socialize after the heat of the day.