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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as they often carry significant meanings that shape theological interpretations and cultural insights. The term ὅμιλος (omilos) is particularly notable because it appears in Revelation 18:17, where it denotes a “group” or “crowd,” specifically referring to merchants in the context of the fall of Babylon. This word highlights the importance of community and commerce in ancient society, illustrating the interconnectedness of individuals and their collective actions. By exploring ὅμιλος, we can gain insights into the dynamics of early Christian communities and the cultural practices of the Greco-Roman world.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὅμιλος (omilos) [ho’-mi-los]

Etymology: The word derives from the root ὁμιλέω (homileō), meaning “to gather” or “to assemble.” It emphasizes the idea of a group of individuals coming together, often in a social or commercial context.

Part of Speech: Noun; it is a masculine noun used to denote a collection or gathering of people.

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

Defining Meanings

Crowd

The primary meaning of ὅμιλος is “crowd” or “group,” signifying a collection of individuals gathered in one place. This usage emphasizes the social aspect of the term, highlighting how people come together for various purposes, such as commerce or community activities.

Assembly

In addition to a crowd, ὅμιλος can refer to an assembly of individuals, suggesting a more organized gathering. This implies a sense of purpose or common interest among those present, whether for business, worship, or social interaction.

Companionship

The term can also imply companionship or fellowship among the individuals in the group. It reflects the relational dynamics that exist within a community, underscoring the importance of shared experiences and connections.

Exploring Similar Words

ὅλος (holos) [ho’-los]: This term translates to “whole” or “entire.” While ὅμιλος refers specifically to a group or crowd, ὅλος emphasizes the state of completeness or totality, which can apply to both groups and individual entities.

συναγωγή (synagōgē) [sun-ag-o-gay’]: Meaning “gathering” or “assembly,” this word often refers to a formal gathering, particularly in a religious context. While ὅμιλος can refer to any group, συναγωγή has a more specific application, especially within Jewish culture.

κοινός (koinos) [koy-nos’]: This term means “common” or “shared,” often used to describe something that is collectively owned or experienced. While it doesn’t directly mean a crowd, it highlights the aspect of community within a group, similar to ὅμιλος.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, ὅμιλος has specific morphological features relevant to its grammatical use.

Case, Number, Gender: ὅμιλος is a masculine noun that can appear in various cases such as nominative, genitive, dative, and accusative, available in singular and plural forms.

Declension: ὅμιλος follows the typical declension pattern for masculine nouns in Greek. The declension for this noun may look as follows:

• Nominative Singular: ὅμιλος

• Genitive Singular: ὁμίλου

• Dative Singular: ὁμίλῳ

• Accusative Singular: ὅμιλον

• Nominative Plural: ὅμιλοι

• Genitive Plural: ὁμίλων

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 ὅμιλος is integral to understanding social structures and dynamics in both biblical and classical contexts. In Revelation 18:17, it describes the merchants of Babylon, indicating the collective actions and commerce that characterized the city’s economic system. Lexicons highlight that ὅμιλος embodies not only the physical gathering of people but also the implications of their interactions and relationships. This term’s usage reflects the broader cultural values of community and cooperation in ancient societies, emphasizing the role of groups in shaping individual and collective identities.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

• Revelation 18:17: “For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ Every shipmaster, all who traveled by ship, sailors, and as many as trade on the sea, stood at a distance.”

• 1 Corinthians 15:33: “Do not be deceived: ‘Evil company corrupts good habits.’”

• Hebrews 10:25: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work English Text

Plato The Republic “The assembly (ὅμιλος) of philosophers was enlightening.”

Aristotle Politics “In every city, there are different groups (ὅμιλος) of citizens.”

Thucydides History of the Peloponnesian War “The crowd (ὅμιλος) gathered to hear the speeches.”

Septuagint Exodus 35:1 “And Moses assembled (ὅμιλος) all the congregation of the children of Israel.”

Septuagint Isaiah 1:12 “When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to trample My courts?”

Septuagint Jeremiah 7:2 “Stand in the gate of the Lord’s house, and proclaim there this word, and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the Lord!’”

Noteworthy Summary

The term ὅμιλος (omilos) signifies the concepts of crowd, assembly, and companionship within the New Testament and classical literature. Its occurrence in Revelation highlights the dynamics of commerce and community in the context of judgment, reminding readers of the interconnectedness of individuals within a societal framework. By examining the morphological characteristics of ὅμιλος and its associations with similar Greek terms, we enhance our understanding of its meaning and significance in both biblical and cultural contexts.

Did You Know?

Cultural Relevance: In ancient Greek culture, gatherings and assemblies played a critical role in civic life, reflecting the values of community engagement and shared decision-making.

Economic Implications: The use of ὅμιλος in Revelation emphasizes the economic interdependencies of the time, illustrating how commerce was deeply tied to the identity of cities like Babylon.

Influence on Early Christianity: The early Christian community often gathered for teaching, worship, and fellowship, which was essential for the growth and establishment of their faith, showcasing the importance of ὅμιλος in shaping their collective identity.