Brief Overview of στηριγμός (Strong’s G4740: stērigmos)

Strong’s G4740: A masculine noun meaning “steadfastness, firm support, or establishment,” derived from στηρίζω. In New Testament usage, it appears in the context of maintaining doctrinal stability and avoiding spiritual error, particularly in 2 Peter’s warning against false teaching.

U- Unveiling the Word

στηριγμός represents the quality of being firmly established or steadfast, particularly in faith and doctrine. In its sole New Testament appearance, Peter uses it to warn believers about maintaining their spiritual stability against false teaching. The word carries architectural imagery of a solid foundation or support structure. Early church fathers employed this term when discussing the importance of doctrinal stability and spiritual maturity. Today, it continues to express the critical need for firm establishment in biblical truth against various forms of error.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στηριγμός, stērigmos, stay-rig-MOS
• Detailed pronunciation: stay (as in stay) + rig (as in rig) + mos (as in moss)
• Part of Speech: Noun (masculine)

Etymology:

• From στηρίζω (stērizō) – to establish firmly
• -μος (-mos) suffix – forms nouns of action/result
• Indicates state of being established

D – Defining Meanings

• Steadfastness
• Firm foundation
• Stable support
• Fixed establishment

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

Translation Options:

• “Steadfastness” – emphasizes quality
• “Firm foundation” – architectural metaphor
• “Stability” – general application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἑδραίωμα (hedraiōma) [hed-RAH-yo-ma] – ground, foundation – See G1477
• στερέωμα (stereōma) [ster-eh-O-ma] – firmament, solid foundation – See G4733
• 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: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative singular: στηριγμός (steadfastness)
• Genitive singular: στηριγμοῦ (of steadfastness)
• Dative plural: στηριγμοῖς (in/by steadfastness)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes doctrinal stability. Thayer’s notes its foundation meaning. LSJ documents architectural usage. Vine’s highlights spiritual application. Strong’s connects to firm establishment. LEH traces Septuagint parallels. Moulton and Milligan show technical construction usage.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
2 Peter 3:17: “You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness [στηριγμός], being led away with the error of the wicked.”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στηριγμός reveals the importance of being firmly established in truth. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah provides unshakeable foundation for our faith. This word challenges us to maintain doctrinal stability and spiritual steadfastness in a world of shifting beliefs.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient architects used this term for load-bearing supports
• Early Christian catechisms emphasized this concept
• The word appears in ancient engineering texts

Strong’s G4740: A masculine noun meaning “steadfastness, firm support, or establishment,” derived from στηρίζω. In New Testament usage, it appears in the context of maintaining doctrinal stability and avoiding spiritual error, particularly in 2 Peter’s warning against false teaching.

Part of speech: Noun (masculine)

Tags: steadfastness, stability, foundation, doctrine, false-teaching, spiritual-maturity, establishment, firm-foundation, spiritual-stability, truth, Peters-epistles, Christian-growth, doctrinal-foundation, spiritual-foundation, faithfulness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​