Strong’s G5109: A noun referring to a wall, particularly the side or partition wall of a building. In biblical usage, it carries metaphorical significance in exposing hypocrisy and divine judgment, as seen in Paul’s confrontation with the high priest Ananias, symbolizing the contrast between outward appearance and inner corruption.

U – Unveiling the Word

τοῖχος carries profound significance in the New Testament, particularly in its metaphorical usage. While its primary meaning refers to a wall or partition of a building, its theological significance emerges powerfully in Acts 23:3, where Paul uses it to expose religious hypocrisy. The Apostle’s reference to a “whitewashed wall” draws from the prophetic tradition of Ezekiel, where whitewashed walls symbolize false security and religious pretense. This metaphorical usage remains relevant today, reminding believers that external religious appearance without inner righteousness is mere facade. The early church understood this term as a powerful symbol of the contrast between superficial religiosity and genuine faith.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τοῖχος, toichos, /ˈtoi.kʰos/
• Detailed Pronunciation: TOY-khos (where ‘kh’ is a aspirated sound like in Scottish ‘loch’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *dheigʰ- (“to form, build”)
• Simple root word without prefixes or suffixes
• Related to ancient construction terminology

D – Defining Meanings

• Wall of a building (specifically side or partition walls)
• Interior dividing wall
• Structural barrier or partition

For compound words: Not applicable as τοῖχος is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “wall” – most common translation, emphasizing physical structure
• “partition wall” – when emphasizing its dividing function
• “interior wall” – when distinguishing from exterior walls

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τεῖχος (teichos) /ˈtei.kʰos/ – refers to city walls or fortifications See G5038
• φραγμός (phragmos) /frag.ˈmos/ – refers to a fence or hedge See G5418
• στῦλος (stylos) /ˈsty.los/ – refers to a pillar or column See G4769

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

This noun follows standard second declension patterns. In different cases it would appear as:

• Nominative: τοῖχος (toichos)
• Genitive: τοίχου (toichou)
• Dative: τοίχῳ (toichō)
• Accusative: τοῖχον (toichon)

Cross-references: The verbal form τειχίζω (teichizō) means “to wall up” or “fortify”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into τοῖχος. BDAG emphasizes its distinction from τεῖχος (city wall), noting its specific reference to building walls. Thayer’s highlights its metaphorical usage in Acts, connecting it to prophetic tradition. LSJ provides evidence of its use in classical Greek for house walls and partitions. Vine’s notes its significance in biblical imagery of hypocrisy. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in papyri for domestic architecture. Strong’s emphasizes its root meaning of a partition or side wall, while LEH connects it to Septuagint usage for temple and house walls.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Then Paul said to him, ‘God will strike you, you wall that has been whitewashed! Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?'” Acts 23:3

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence of τοῖχος in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τοῖχος serves as a powerful metaphor in Scripture, particularly in Paul’s confrontation with the high priest. Its use as “whitewashed wall” brilliantly exposes the facade of religious hypocrisy, reminding us that true righteousness cannot be merely external. This word points to the good news of King Jesus, who calls us to authentic faith rather than superficial religion. Just as a wall’s true strength lies in its integrity rather than its surface appearance, genuine faith manifests in transformed hearts, not just outward conformity to religious practices.

D – Did You Know?

• τοῖχος appears over 170 times in the Septuagint, often describing temple architecture
• The metaphor of a “whitewashed wall” was a common proverbial expression in ancient Near Eastern literature
• Archaeological evidence shows ancient Greeks used this term specifically for load-bearing walls in domestic architecture

Strong’s G5109: A noun denoting a wall, particularly the side or partition wall of a building. In biblical usage, it carries metaphorical significance in exposing hypocrisy and divine judgment, as seen in Paul’s confrontation with the high priest Ananias, symbolizing the contrast between outward appearance and inner corruption.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: walls, buildings, architecture, metaphor, hypocrisy, judgment, religious-leadership, paul, acts, temple, construction, structure​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​