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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies, as many Greek terms carry rich meanings that deepen one’s comprehension of Scripture. The word οἴκημα (oikēma) appears in Acts 12:7 and is significant because it relates to both physical and metaphorical understandings of space, particularly a dwelling or abode. In ancient Greek culture, οἴκημα was often associated with various types of dwelling places, and in the New Testament, it is used in contexts that sometimes have spiritual or theological implications.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: οἴκημα (oikēma), pronounced OY-kay-mah.

Etymology: Oikēma comes from the root oikos (οἶκος), which means “house” or “dwelling.” The word oikēma is a noun form that refers to a physical structure in which people live or reside, but it can also be used in broader contexts to denote various kinds of enclosures.

Part of Speech: Oikēma is a noun. It belongs to the neuter gender and falls within the third declension of Greek nouns, which means its morphological structure adapts according to case, number, and syntactical function.

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Defining Meanings

1. Dwelling or habitation: The primary meaning of oikēma is a physical dwelling place, whether it be a house, a room, or some other kind of living quarters.

2. A prison or enclosed space: In Acts 12:7, oikēma refers to a specific type of enclosure, namely a prison where Peter was being held. The term here conveys the sense of a structure designed to confine someone, emphasizing its capacity as a place of restriction.

3. Room or chamber: Oikēma can also refer to a smaller subdivision within a larger dwelling, such as a room or chamber. This usage is less common but occurs in broader Greek literature.

Exploring Similar Words

1. οἶκος (oikos) [pronunciation: OY-kos]: Oikos refers to a house or dwelling and is the root from which oikēma is derived. It is more general in meaning and can refer to both a household and the building itself.

2. οἰκία (oikia) [pronunciation: oy-KEE-ah]: This word is closely related to oikēma and also means “house” or “dwelling place.” However, it is more commonly used to describe a family household rather than a specific room or chamber.

3. οἰκοδομή (oikodomē) [pronunciation: oy-ko-do-MAY]: This word means “building” or “edifice” and is more frequently used to describe the act of construction or the structure itself, rather than the function of the dwelling.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: Oikēma is a neuter noun. It can appear in singular or plural forms, depending on the context, and its case (nominative, genitive, dative, or accusative) varies based on its grammatical role in the sentence.

• Singular Nominative: οἴκημα (a dwelling)

• Singular Genitive: οἰκήματος (of a dwelling)

• Plural Nominative: οἰκήματα (dwellings)

Declension: Oikēma follows the pattern of third declension neuter nouns in Greek, which has distinctive endings in various cases, especially in the genitive and dative.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons consistently define oikēma as a dwelling or enclosed space. BDAG emphasizes its use in Acts 12:7 to refer specifically to a prison cell, highlighting its role as a space of confinement. Thayer’s Lexicon points out that it is often used in Greek literature to describe rooms or smaller chambers within a house. LSJ expands on its classical usage, where it can mean anything from a house to a temporary dwelling, such as a tent or a lodging during travel. Overall, oikēma is portrayed as a versatile term for any kind of enclosed structure, whether a home or a prison.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Acts 12:7: “And behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison [οἴκημα]: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.”

2. Acts 16:26: “And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison [οἴκημα] were shaken.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato Critias “They built dwellings [οἰκήματα] for the gods and people to live in together.”

Aristophanes Peace “I would rather live in a humble dwelling [οἰκήματι] than rule over others.”

Septuagint Exodus 25:9 “According to all that I show you, the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all its furniture [οἰκήματα].”

Noteworthy Summary

Oikēma is a versatile Greek term used to describe dwelling places, enclosures, or rooms. It is frequently used in the New Testament to describe confined spaces, such as prison cells, but also has broader applications in Greek literature. Understanding oikēma provides insights into both physical and metaphorical dwellings, offering rich context in biblical passages like Acts 12:7, where it emphasizes Peter’s imprisonment and subsequent divine liberation.

Did You Know?

1. The word oikēma was commonly used in Greek dramas to describe temporary dwellings or staging areas for actors.

2. Oikēma can also refer to sacred spaces, as seen in the Septuagint, where it describes the various compartments within the tabernacle.

3. In classical architecture, oikēma referred not only to dwellings but also to utility rooms and workshops within larger complexes.