Brief Overview of στοιχεῖον (Strong’s G4747: stoicheion)

Strong’s G4747: From στοιχέω (to proceed in order); a primary element, fundamental principle, or basic component. In ancient thought, referred to the basic elements of the universe and rudimentary teachings. Used metaphorically in NT for elementary religious principles and spiritual powers.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στοιχεῖον carries profound significance in both its literal and metaphorical meanings. Originally referring to the basic elements of the physical world (earth, water, air, fire) and fundamental principles of learning, Paul uses it to describe both elementary religious teachings and the spiritual forces that once enslaved humanity before the Messiah. In Galatians and Colossians, it often refers to the elementary principles of religious systems that kept people in bondage. Early church fathers expanded on this concept, contrasting these elementary principles with the fullness of truth in Jesus. Today, this word reminds us that the Messiah has freed us from bondage to elementary spiritual forces and principles, calling us to mature faith rather than returning to basic elements of religious observance.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στοιχεῖον, stoicheion, /stoy-khi’-on/
• Detailed Pronunciation: stoy-KHE-on (with ‘kh’ as in Scottish ‘loch’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word: στοιχέω (stoicheō) – “to proceed in order”
• -εῖον (-eion) – neuter substantive suffix indicating result or product
  The combination suggests an orderly arrangement or fundamental component.

D – Defining Meanings

• Basic elements of the physical world
• Fundamental principles or rudiments of teaching
• Elementary religious concepts
• Spiritual powers or forces governing the world

For compound words: Not applicable as στοιχεῖον is a simple noun.

Translation Options:

1. “Elementary principles” – Best captures its use in religious context
2. “Basic elements” – Emphasizes fundamental nature
3. “Rudimentary forces” – Combines both physical and spiritual aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. ἀρχή (archē) /ar-khay’/ – beginning, first principle, more about origin than elements. See G746
2. θεμέλιος (themelios) /them-el’-ee-os/ – foundation, emphasizes structural basis. See G2310
3. δύναμις (dynamis) /doo’-nam-is/ – power, force, emphasizes active power rather than elementary nature. See G1411

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, στοιχεῖον exhibits these features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples of morphological changes:

• Singular: στοιχεῖον (nominative), στοιχείου (genitive), στοιχείῳ (dative), στοιχεῖον (accusative)
• Plural: στοιχεῖα (nominative), στοιχείων (genitive), στοιχείοις (dative), στοιχεῖα (accusative)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its range of meaning from physical elements to spiritual powers. Thayer’s notes its use for foundational principles. LSJ documents its evolution from physical elements to philosophical concepts. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical usage in Paul’s letters. Strong’s connects it to orderly arrangement. Moulton and Milligan show its common use in philosophical texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things [στοιχεῖον] of the world.” Galatians 4:3

Additional References:
Galatians 4:9
Colossians 2:8
Colossians 2:20
Hebrews 5:12
2 Peter 3:10
2 Peter 3:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στοιχεῖον powerfully illustrates our liberation in the Messiah from both elementary religious principles and spiritual powers that once held humanity in bondage. Through Jesus, we are freed from these basic elements to embrace the fullness of God’s grace and truth. This word reminds us that in the Messiah, we move beyond elementary principles to mature faith and true freedom.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word was used in ancient astronomy to describe celestial bodies believed to control human destiny.
2. Early Christian writers used it to contrast pagan religious systems with the freedom found in the Messiah.
3. It’s the root of our modern word “stoichiometry” in chemistry, relating to elementary principles.

Strong’s G4747: From στοιχέω (to proceed in order); a primary element, fundamental principle, or basic component. In ancient thought, referred to the basic elements of the universe and rudimentary teachings. Used metaphorically in NT for elementary religious principles and spiritual powers.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: elementary-principles, basic-elements, spiritual-powers, freedom-in-christ, religious-systems, fundamental-teachings, spiritual-maturity, bondage, liberation, greek-noun​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​