### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dōma**, represented by `{{G1430}}`, refers to a **housetop**. Derived from a word meaning "to build," it properly denotes an edifice, but is used in scripture specially for the roof. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses**, consistently highlighting the roof as a distinct and functional part of a dwelling.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, the **housetop** `{{G1430}}` is a place of significant action and symbolism. It serves as a platform for public proclamation, where what is heard in **darkness** `{{G4653}}` is to be preached openly ([[Matthew 10:27]], [[Luke 12:3]]). In times of great urgency, it is a point from which there is no return; those on the **housetop** are warned not to **come down** `{{G2597}}` into the **house** `{{G3614}}` ([[Matthew 24:17]], [[Luke 17:31]]). It is also a place for prayer, as when Peter **went up** `{{G305}}` upon the **housetop** to pray [[Acts 10:9]], and a means of access, used by men to lower a paralytic before Jesus [[Luke 5:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which `{{G1430}}` is used:
* `{{G2784}}` **kērýssō** (to herald... especially divine truth): This word is directly linked to the **housetop**, which is designated as the place from which the gospel should be **proclaimed** ([[Matthew 10:27]], [[Luke 12:3]]).
* `{{G2597}}` **katabaínō** (to descend): In passages of eschatological warning, those on the **housetop** are explicitly commanded not to **come down** ([[Matthew 24:17]], [[Mark 13:15]]), emphasizing the urgency of the moment.
* `{{G3614}}` **oikía** (residence... an abode... a family): The **housetop** is the upper, external part of the **house**, and the distinction between them is critical in verses that command a person not to re-enter the **house** from the roof ([[Matthew 24:17]], [[Luke 17:31]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1430}}` is seen in its use as a symbolic location.
* **Public Witness:** The **housetop** represents the ultimate public forum. The command to **proclaim** `{{G2784}}` from the **housetops** what was spoken in **closets** `{{G5009}}` or **darkness** `{{G4653}}` illustrates the principle that divine truth is not meant to remain secret but is for open declaration ([[Matthew 10:27]], [[Luke 12:3]]).
* **Eschatological Urgency:** The image of a person on the **housetop** who must not **come down** `{{G2597}}` serves as a powerful metaphor for the immediacy of divine judgment. Worldly attachments, represented by the contents of the **house** `{{G3614}}`, must be forsaken without hesitation ([[Matthew 24:17]], [[Luke 17:31]]).
* **Place of Access and Prayer:** The **housetop** is portrayed as a place of elevation, setting one apart for communion with God, as seen when Peter **went up** `{{G305}}` to pray [[Acts 10:9]]. It is also shown as a place of unorthodox access to the divine, as when the roof was opened to lower a man to Jesus [[Luke 5:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1430}}` is more than just a roof. It functions biblically as a stage for making truth public, a point of critical decision in moments of judgment, and a place of elevated contact with God. Whether for prayer, proclamation, or escape, the **housetop** is consistently depicted as a location where significant spiritual events unfold.
TRV