Brief Overview of Στοϊκός (Strong’s G4770: Stoikos)

Strong’s G4770: An adjective denoting a follower of the Stoic school of philosophy, derived from στοά (stoa), meaning “porch” or “portico,” where Zeno taught. Representatives of this philosophical school emphasized self-control, rational thinking, and viewing the divine as present in all things.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στοϊκός primarily refers to adherents of Stoic philosophy, deriving its name from the Stoa Poikile in Athens where the movement’s founder, Zeno, taught. In the New Testament context, it appears specifically in Paul’s encounter with Athenian philosophers, representing a significant worldview that both challenged and partially aligned with early Christian teaching. The word carries deep cultural significance as it represents one of the major philosophical schools that early Christianity encountered. Today, it remains relevant in understanding the intellectual environment of the early church and how the gospel message engaged with sophisticated philosophical systems.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: Στοϊκός, Stoikos, /stō-i-kos’/
• Detailed pronunciation: STO (as in “stone”) – i (as in “meet”) – KOS (as in “cost”)
• Part of Speech: Adjective (used as a substantive)

Etymology:

• From στοά (stoa) – porch, colonnade
• -ικός (-ikos) suffix indicating “belonging to” or “characteristic of”
• Named after the Stoa Poikile where Zeno taught his philosophy

D – Defining Meanings

• A follower of Stoic philosophy
• One who adheres to Stoic principles
• Relating to the Stoic school of thought

Translation Options:

• “Stoic” – Most precise technical term preserving historical context
• “Stoic philosopher” – Clarifies the professional/intellectual nature
• “Follower of the Stoa” – Emphasizes historical connection to location

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φιλόσοφος (philosophos) /fil-os’-of-os/ – philosopher in general See G5386
• Ἐπικούρειος (Epicoureios) /ep-ee-koo’-ri-os/ – Epicurean philosopher See G1946
• σοφός (sophos) /sof-os’/ – wise, skilled person See G4680

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adjective used substantively:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

Examples:

• Nominative Singular: Στοϊκός (a Stoic)
• Genitive Plural: Στοϊκῶν (of the Stoics)
• Accusative Plural: Στοϊκούς (the Stoics as direct object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific reference to the philosophical school. Thayer’s notes its connection to the physical location of teaching. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in philosophical literature. Vine’s highlights its significance in Acts. Strong’s connects it to the architectural feature that gave the school its name. LEH notes its absence in the Septuagint, indicating its specifically Hellenistic context. Moulton and Milligan discuss its common usage in educated discourse.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 17:18: “Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics [Στοϊκός], encountered him. And some said, What will this babbler say? other some, He seemeth to be a setter forth of strange gods: because he preached unto them Jesus, and the resurrection.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στοϊκός represents a significant philosophical movement that the early church encountered and engaged with. Through Paul’s interaction with the Stoics, we see how the gospel message could engage with sophisticated philosophical systems while maintaining its unique truth claims. This reminds us that the good news of King Jesus transcends yet engages with all human philosophical systems, offering truth that fulfills and exceeds human wisdom.

D – Did You Know?

• The term comes from a specific building in Athens, showing how architecture influenced philosophical terminology
• Stoic philosophy influenced early Christian writers, though they ultimately rejected its pantheistic elements
• The word has entered many modern languages as a term for emotional self-control

Strong’s G4770: An adjective denoting a follower of the Stoic school of philosophy, derived from στοά (stoa), meaning “porch” or “portico,” where Zeno taught. Representatives of this philosophical school emphasized self-control, rational thinking, and viewing the divine as present in all things.

Part of speech: Adjective (used substantively)

Tags: philosophy, stoicism, athens, paul, apologetics, greek-philosophy, worldview, cultural-engagement, early-church, biblical-greek, new-testament-greek, hellenistic-period​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​