from a derivative of τίθημι; something put down, i.e. a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively):--foundation.
Transliteration:themélios
Pronunciation:them-el'-ee-os
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun θεμέλιος (themélios, `{{G2310}}`) derives from a derivative of the verb τίθημι (tithēmi), meaning "to place, to put, to lay." This etymological root immediately points to the primary sense of themélios as "something laid down." Its core meaning is therefore a *foundation* or *groundwork*.
Semantically, themélios encompasses both literal and figurative applications:
1. **Literal:** The lowest part of a building or structure upon which the rest is erected. This refers to the physical base, ensuring stability and support.
2. **Figurative:** The underlying principle, basis, origin, or essential support for an idea, system, or community. In this sense, it denotes that which is fundamental, indispensable, and provides stability or security. It represents the starting point or the unshakeable truth upon which something is built or established.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θεμέλιος appears frequently in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Pauline Epistles, often with profound theological implications:
* **Literal Foundations in Parables:** In [[Luke 6:48-49]], Jesus uses the literal image of a θεμέλιος to illustrate the wisdom of building one's life upon His words. The wise builder digs deep and lays a θεμέλιος on rock, ensuring stability against a flood, while the foolish builder builds without a θεμέλιος on the earth, leading to collapse. This highlights the practical necessity of a firm spiritual basis.
* **Apostolic Ministry and Evangelism:** Paul speaks of not building on another man's θεμέλιος in [[Romans 15:20]]. Here, themélios figuratively represents the established work of evangelism and church planting. Paul's ambition was to preach the gospel where Christ had not yet been named, laying new spiritual foundations rather than merely expanding upon existing ones.
* **Christ as the Sole Foundation:** One of the most critical theological uses is found in [[1 Corinthians 3:10-12]]. Paul, as a master builder, lays a θεμέλιος, and no one can lay any θεμέλιος other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. This passage emphatically declares Christ as the exclusive and indispensable θεμέλιος for the church and for individual salvation. Any subsequent building (ministry, teaching, life) must be upon this singular, divine foundation.
* **The Church's Foundation:** In [[Ephesians 2:20]], the church is described as "built on the θεμέλιος of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the chief cornerstone (ἀκρογωνιαῖος, `{{G204}}`)." This does not suggest that the apostles and prophets are independent foundations, but rather that their teaching and prophetic witness, centered on Christ, constitute the foundational message upon which the church is built. Christ remains the ultimate and unifying θεμέλιος.
* **God's Firm Foundation:** [[2 Timothy 2:19]] declares, "Nevertheless, God's firm θεμέλιος stands, having this seal: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.'" Here, themélios refers to God's unshakeable purpose, His covenant faithfulness, and His eternal truth, particularly concerning election and divine justice.
* **Eschatological Hope:** The author of Hebrews speaks of Abraham looking for "the city which has θεμέλιος, whose builder and maker is God" in [[Hebrews 11:10]]. This refers to the heavenly Jerusalem, a city with permanent, divine foundations, contrasting with the temporary structures of this world.
* **The New Jerusalem:** In [[Revelation 21:14]] and [[Revelation 21:19]], the New Jerusalem is depicted with twelve θεμέλιος (foundations), bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. These foundations are adorned with precious stones, symbolizing the divine glory, beauty, and permanence of God's eternal city, rooted in the apostolic witness to Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of θεμέλιος is enriched by its relationship to other biblical terms and concepts:
* **Verbal Root:** τίθημι (tithēmi, `{{G5087}}`), "to place, put, lay," from which themélios is derived, underscores the act of establishing something firm and fixed.
* **Cornerstone:** ἀκρογωνιαῖος (akrogōniaios, `{{G204}}`), the chief cornerstone, is frequently associated with θεμέλιος, particularly in relation to Christ (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:20]]). The cornerstone is the vital, unifying stone that aligns the entire foundation and structure.
* **Building/Edification:** οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō, `{{G3618}}`), "to build, edify," is a natural companion, as themélios is the prerequisite for any building process, whether literal or spiritual.
* **Stone:** λίθος (lithos, `{{G3037}}`), "stone," is often the material of foundations, especially in the context of Christ as the "living stone" (e.g., [[1 Peter 2:4-8]]).
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Old Testament, יָסַד (yasad, `{{H3247}}`), "to found, lay a foundation," and מוּסָד (musad, `{{H4146}}`), "foundation," convey similar concepts of establishment and permanence, often in relation to God's creation, covenant, and temple.
* **Concepts:** Stability, security, permanence, origin, basis, divine decree, divine plan, truth, unshakeable reality, divine faithfulness, and the essential nature of Christ and His teachings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θεμέλιος is profound, centering on the unshakeable nature of God's work and truth, with Christ at its core:
* **Christocentricity:** The most crucial theological insight is that Jesus Christ is the singular, ultimate θεμέλιος of the church and of all true faith. All spiritual construction, whether individual or corporate, must be founded upon Him and His finished work. Any other foundation is unstable and ultimately leads to ruin.
* **Ecclesiological Foundation:** The church's identity and mission are rooted in the θεμέλιος of the apostles and prophets, whose witness to Christ forms the authoritative and indispensable basis for Christian doctrine and practice. This emphasizes the historical continuity and divine origin of the church.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Purpose:** God's θεμέλιος (in [[2 Timothy 2:19]]) speaks to His unchangeable character, His eternal plan, and the certainty of His election and judgment. It assures believers of the steadfastness of God's promises amidst human unfaithfulness.
* **Ethical and Practical Stability:** The parable of the two builders (Luke 6) underscores the necessity of building one's life, character, and obedience upon the firm θεμέλιος of Christ's teachings. This practical application emphasizes that genuine discipleship involves deep roots in divine truth, leading to resilience in times of testing.
* **Eschatological Assurance:** The foundations of the heavenly city (Hebrews 11, Revelation 21) symbolize the permanence and divine perfection of God's eternal dwelling. They provide hope and assurance that God's ultimate plan for His people is built on an unshakeable, glorious reality.
### Summary
The Greek word θεμέλιος (themélios, `{{G2310}}`) signifies a foundation or groundwork, encompassing both literal and figurative applications. Its etymology from "to lay down" highlights its role as the essential, underlying support. In the New Testament, themélios is most profoundly employed to designate the unshakeable basis of Christian faith and the church. Preeminently, Jesus Christ Himself is declared to be the *only* true θεμέλιος, an indispensable and exclusive foundation upon which salvation and all spiritual life are built. The church is founded upon the apostolic and prophetic witness to Christ, and God's eternal purposes stand on a firm θεμέλιος of divine truth and faithfulness. Ultimately, themélios conveys concepts of stability, security, divine purpose, and the absolute necessity of a proper, Christ-centered grounding for both individual believers and the entire community of faith.
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