### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hedraíōma**, represented by `{{G1477}}`, signifies **a support** or **basis**. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible, where it is translated as **ground**. This rarity highlights its specific and profound figurative meaning as a foundation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of `{{G1477}}` is found in [[1 Timothy 3:15]], where it provides a crucial definition of the church's role. The verse describes the house of God as "the church of the living God, the pillar and **ground** of the truth." Here, `{{G1477}}` is paired with the word for "pillar" `{{G4769}}` to create a powerful image of stability and support. The church is depicted not as the source of truth, but as the foundational structure that upholds and stabilizes it in the world.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illuminate the meaning of `{{G1477}}`:
* `{{G4769}}` **stŷlos** (pillar): Used alongside **hedraíōma**, this word means a **post** or **support**. It reinforces the idea of strength and stability, as certain leaders were considered to be **pillars** [[Galatians 2:9]] and faithful believers are promised to be made a **pillar** in God's temple [[Revelation 3:12]].
* `{{G1577}}` **ekklēsía** (church): This term for a **religious congregation** is the subject being described as the pillar and ground. The church is identified as the body of Christ [[Colossians 1:18]] and the community purchased by God [[Acts 20:28]].
* `{{G225}}` **alḗtheia** (truth): This is what the church, as the `{{G1477}}`, supports. The **truth** is identified with Jesus himself [[John 14:6]] and is the standard by which believers are sanctified [[John 17:17]].
* `{{G3624}}` **oîkos** (house): This word for a **dwelling** or **household** is used to describe the church as the "house of God" [[1 Timothy 3:15]], establishing it as the place of God's spiritual family and presence.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1477}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful usage.
* **A Foundational Role:** The term establishes the church's divine purpose as the foundation for God's truth on earth. It is the structure designed to bear the weight of and preserve the truth [[1 Timothy 3:15]].
* **Support and Stability:** As a "support" or "ground," `{{G1477}}` emphasizes the church's responsibility to be a stabilizing force, preventing the truth from being altered or undermined.
* **Guardian of Truth:** The church is presented as the pillar and **ground** of "the truth" `{{G225}}`, which is linked directly to God and His word [[John 17:17]]. This implies that the collective body of believers has a sacred duty to uphold and defend divine revelation.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1477}}` is a concise but deeply significant word. Its solitary appearance in scripture defines the essential function of the church. In calling the church the "pillar and **ground** of the truth" [[1 Timothy 3:15]], it conveys an unshakeable theological concept: the community of the living God is the earthly structure entrusted with supporting, stabilizing, and upholding the truth for all generations.
TRV