Sacred Space: τόπος (Strong’s G5117: topos) Reveals Divine-Human Encounters

Strong’s G5117: A noun denoting place, location, or position, often with spiritual significance. In biblical usage, it refers to both physical and metaphorical spaces where divine-human encounters occur, from wilderness places to opportunities for spiritual growth.

U – Unveiling the Word

τόπος carries rich theological significance beyond its basic meaning of “place” or “location.” In the New Testament, it often appears in contexts of spiritual significance, as seen in Matthew 12:43 where it describes spiritual realms. The word encompasses both physical locations and metaphorical spaces where divine-human encounters occur. The early church recognized τόπος as signifying not just geographical locations but sacred spaces where God meets His people. Today, it helps us understand how God works in both physical and spiritual dimensions, reminding us that every place can become holy ground through His presence.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τόπος, topos, /ˈto.pos/
• Detailed Pronunciation: TOH-pohs (where ‘oh’ is like in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root word: τοπ- (top-) indicating location or place
• Suffix: -ος (-os) forming masculine nouns
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *top- (place)

D – Defining Meanings

• Place, location
• Region, territory
• Opportunity, occasion
• Position, station
• Room, space

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

Translation Options:

• “place” – most common general usage
• “location” – when emphasizing physical position
• “opportunity” – when referring to circumstantial space

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χώρα (chōra) /ˈkʰō.ra/ – country, region See G5561
• χωρίον (chōrion) /kʰō.ˈri.on/ – place, field See G5564
• τοποθεσία (topothesia) /to.po.tʰe.ˈsi.a/ – site, position See G5117

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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

Common forms include:

• Nominative: τόπος
• Genitive: τόπου
• Dative: τόπῳ
• Accusative: τόπον

Cross-references: Related verb τοποθετέω meaning “to place, position”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide extensive insight into τόπος. BDAG notes its range from physical locations to metaphorical spaces. Thayer’s emphasizes its use in both literal and figurative senses. LSJ documents its evolution in classical Greek. Vine’s highlights its theological significance in Scripture. Strong’s connects it to both geographical and spiritual contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite numerous papyri showing its common usage. LEH notes its frequent occurrence in the Septuagint for sacred spaces.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, but finds none.” Matthew 12:43

Additional References:
Mark 1:35
Luke 4:37
John 4:20
Acts 1:25
Romans 12:19
Revelation 2:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τόπος reminds us that God meets His people in both physical and spiritual spaces. The good news of King Jesus transcends mere geography, making every place potential holy ground through His presence. This word teaches us that divine encounters aren’t limited to traditional sacred spaces but can occur anywhere we meet Him in faith. It encourages us to recognize and create spaces for God’s presence in our lives.

D – Did You Know?

• The English word “topology” derives from τόπος
• Early Christians used τόπος to describe both meeting places and burial sites
• The word appears over 94 times in the New Testament

Strong’s G5117: A noun denoting place, location, or position, often with spiritual significance. In biblical usage, it refers to both physical and metaphorical spaces where divine-human encounters occur, from wilderness places to opportunities for spiritual growth.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: place, location, sacred-space, divine-encounter, opportunity, position, geography, spiritual-realm, holy-ground, presence, worship, sanctuary​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​