### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **zēmía**, represented by `{{G2209}}`, defines the concept of **detriment**, **damage**, or **loss**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's origin, possibly akin to a word implying violence, suggests a significant and impactful detriment, whether in a material or spiritual sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2209}}` appears in both literal and theological contexts. In the book of Acts, Paul warns his fellow travelers that their voyage will result in "much **damage**" to the ship and its cargo [[Acts 27:10]]. He later reminds them that they could have avoided this "harm and **loss**" by heeding his advice [[Acts 27:21]]. In Philippians, the meaning elevates to a spiritual principle, where Paul states that whatever he once considered gain, he now counts as **loss** for the sake of Christ [[Philippians 3:7]]. He expands on this by counting all things as **loss** compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ [[Philippians 3:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the meaning and application of **loss**:
* `{{G2210}}` **zēmióō**: This is the verb form of `{{G2209}}`, meaning to **suffer loss** or **receive damage**. In [[Philippians 3:8]], Paul uses it to describe how he has actively "suffered the loss of all things."
* `{{G2771}}` **kérdos**: This word for **gain** or **lucre** is used as a direct contrast to `{{G2209}}`. Paul explains that what he formerly saw as **gain** `{{G2771}}`, he now considers **loss** [[Philippians 3:7]].
* `{{G4657}}` **skýbalon**: This term for **dung** or refuse is used to describe the value of the things Paul has counted as loss. He considers them **dung** in order to gain Christ [[Philippians 3:8]].
* `{{G5196}}` **hýbris**: Meaning **harm** or **hurt**, this word is paired with `{{G2209}}` in Acts to describe the combined physical dangers of the sea voyage ([[Acts 27:10]], [[Acts 27:21]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2209}}` is demonstrated primarily in Paul's letter to the Philippians.
* **Revaluation of Worldly Gain:** The term is central to a radical revaluation of life. Things that were formerly considered **gain** `{{G2771}}` are redefined as **loss** `{{G2209}}` when measured against the value of Christ [[Philippians 3:7]].
* **Supreme Value of Christ:** The concept of **loss** serves to highlight the incomparable worth of knowing Christ. Paul counts "all things" as **loss** "for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus" [[Philippians 3:8]].
* **Willing Forfeiture:** This is not an accidental or unfortunate event, but a deliberate choice. Paul affirms that he has "suffered the loss" `{{G2210}}` of all things and now considers them worthless, like "dung" `{{G4657}}`, in his pursuit to gain Christ [[Philippians 3:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2209}}` conveys a powerful idea of **damage** or **loss**. While it can refer to literal, material detriment, as seen in the shipwreck narrative in Acts [[Acts 27:10]], its most profound application is theological. In Philippians, **loss** becomes the metric by which the supreme value of Christ is measured. It represents a complete reorientation of values, where all worldly achievements and advantages are willingly counted as **loss** for the surpassing worth of knowing and gaining Christ [[Philippians 3:7-8]].
TRV