Brief Overview of στερέωμα (Strong’s G4733: stereōma)

Strong’s G4733: A noun meaning “firmness, steadfastness,” with rich theological heritage from its Septuagint use for the firmament in creation. In New Testament usage, it metaphorically describes the solid foundation and firm order of Christian faith and practice, particularly in military-like steadfastness.

U- Unveiling the Word

στερέωμα carries profound theological significance across both Testaments. In the Septuagint, it represents the firmament of creation (Genesis 1), depicting God’s ordered establishment of the cosmos. In Colossians, Paul applies this creation imagery to describe the ordered steadfastness of Christian faith. Early church fathers saw in this word both cosmic and ecclesiological significance – God’s ordering of creation paralleling His ordering of the church. Today, it continues to express how Christian faith provides structure and stability in a chaotic world, reflecting both divine creative power and spiritual discipline.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στερέωμα, stereōma, ster-eh-O-mah
• Detailed pronunciation: ster (as in stair) + eh (as in bet) + o (as in go) + mah (as in mama)
• Part of Speech: Noun (neuter)

Etymology:

• From στερεόω (stereoō) – to make firm
• -μα (-ma) suffix – indicates result of action
• Root connects to cosmic and military stability

D – Defining Meanings

• Firmness, solidity
• Firmament (cosmological)
• Steadfastness (military)
• Established order
• Solid foundation

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a derived noun

Translation Options:

• “Firmness” – emphasizes quality
• “Solid formation” – captures military aspect
• “Steadfast order” – combines stability and structure

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στερέωσις (stereōsis) [ster-eh-O-sis] – act of strengthening – See G4733
• ἑδραίωμα (hedraiōma) [hed-RAH-yo-mah] – support, foundation – See G1477
• θεμέλιος (themelios) [them-EL-ee-os] – foundation – See G2310

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στερέωμα (firmness)
• Genitive singular: στερεώματος (of firmness)
• Dative plural: στερεώμασι(ν) (in/by firmnesses)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes military and spiritual steadfastness. Thayer’s notes Septuagint cosmological usage. LSJ documents broad semantic range. Vine’s highlights metaphorical applications. Strong’s connects to foundational strength. LEH emphasizes creation context. Moulton and Milligan show architectural usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Colossians 2:5: “For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness [στερέωμα] of your faith in Christ.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στερέωμα reveals how the Messiah brings divine order to both cosmos and community. It proclaims the good news that Jesus establishes His people in unshakeable faith, reflecting the same power that ordered creation. This word reminds us that Christian faith provides both cosmic meaning and practical stability.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears 16 times in Genesis 1 LXX for “firmament”
• Early Christian architects used it for church foundation designs
• Medieval theologians saw it as connecting creation and redemption

Strong’s G4733: A noun meaning “firmness, steadfastness,” with rich theological heritage from its Septuagint use for the firmament in creation. In New Testament usage, it metaphorically describes the solid foundation and firm order of Christian faith and practice, particularly in military-like steadfastness.

Part of speech: Noun (neuter)

Tags: firmness, creation, steadfastness, order, foundation, faith, military-metaphor, cosmic-order, church-structure, stability, Christian-discipline, divine-order, spiritual-foundation, Genesis-connections, Christian-formation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​