Strong's Lexicon stereóma: Firmament, expanse, support, foundation Original Word: στερέωμα Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb στερεόω (stereoō), meaning "to make firm" or "to establish." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: - H7549 רָקִיעַ (raqia) – Firmament, expanse Usage: In the New Testament, "στερέωμα" (stereóma) is used to convey the idea of something that is firm or established. It is often translated as "firmament" or "expanse," referring to the sky or heavens as a solid, established structure. The term emphasizes stability and support, reflecting the order and reliability of God's creation. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient cosmology, particularly within the Hebrew and Greek traditions, the firmament was understood as a solid dome or expanse that separated the waters above from the waters below (Genesis 1:6-8). This concept was integral to the ancient understanding of the universe, where the heavens were seen as a structured and ordered realm created by God. The firmament was not just a physical structure but also a symbol of God's sovereignty and the order He imposed on chaos. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4733 steréōma (a noun) – literally, a support (foundation); (figuratively) strength (solidity), making one immoveable because solid (used only in Col 2:5). See 4731 (stereos). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom stereoó Definition a solid body, a support, strength, firmness NASB Translation stability (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4733: στερέωμαστερέωμα στερεώματος, τό (στερεόω), that which has been made firm; a. (Vulg.firmamentum) the firmament; so the Sept. for רָקִיעַ , the arch of the sky, which in early times was thought to be solid, Genesis 1:6-8; Ezekiel 1:22-26; Sir. 43:1 (cf. B. D. (especially American edition) under the word b. that which furnishes a foundation; on which a thing rests firmly, support: Aristotle, partt. an. 2, 9, 12, p. 655{a}, 22; κύριος στερέωμα μου, Psalm 17:3 c. firmness, steadfastness: τῆς πίστεως, Colossians 2:5 (some take it here metaphorically in a military sense, solid front; cf. Lightfoot at the passage (per contra Meyer)). From stereoo; something established, i.e. (abstractly) confirmation (stability) -- stedfastness. see GREEK stereoo |
|
