from θεμέλιος; to lay a basis for, i.e. (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate:--(lay the) found(- ation), ground, settle.
Transliteration:themelióō
Pronunciation:them-el-ee-o'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb θεμελιόω (themelioō, `{{G2311}}`) is derived from the noun θεμέλιος (themelios, `{{G2310}}`), meaning "foundation" or "foundation stone." At its core, θεμελιόω signifies the act of laying a foundation or establishing a base.
Its semantic range extends from the literal to the figurative:
* **Literal:** To lay the foundation of a building, to erect, to build upon a secure base. This implies an initial, crucial act of construction that ensures stability and permanence.
* **Figurative:** To establish, confirm, strengthen, or ground something or someone firmly in a principle, truth, or doctrine. It denotes providing a secure and unshakeable basis for belief, character, or community, leading to steadfastness and stability. The concept includes "to found," "to establish firmly," "to ground," and "to settle."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of θεμελιόω in the New Testament illustrate both its literal and, more predominantly, its figurative applications:
* **Literal Usage:** In [[Luke 6:48]], Jesus uses the metaphor of a wise builder who "dug deep and laid the foundation (ἐθεμελίωσεν) on the rock." This highlights the practical importance of a solid physical foundation for a house to withstand a flood, serving as an analogy for the stability of a life built on obedience to Christ's words. Similarly, [[Hebrews 1:10]], quoting [[Psalm 102:25]], attributes the act of "laying the foundation (ἐθεμελίωσας) of the earth" to the Lord, emphasizing God's role as the ultimate Creator and establisher of the cosmos.
* **Figurative Usage - Spiritual Grounding and Establishment:**
* **In Love:** Paul prays in [[Ephesians 3:17]] that believers, "being rooted and grounded (ἐρριζωμένοι καὶ τεθεμελιωμένοι) in love," may be able to comprehend the vastness of Christ's love. Here, θεμελιόω is paired with "rooted," emphasizing a deep, life-sustaining connection to *agape* love as the essential foundation for spiritual growth and understanding.
* **In the Gospel/Faith:** In [[Colossians 1:23]], Paul exhorts believers to continue "in the faith, firmly established (τεθεμελιωμένοι) and steadfast," and not to be moved from the hope of the gospel. This underscores the necessity of remaining stable and unshakeable in their adherence to the truth of the gospel message.
* **Divine Confirmation:** [[1 Peter 5:10]] speaks of God's sovereign work in the lives of suffering believers: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish (θεμελιώσει) you." Here, θεμελιόω conveys God's active role in solidifying the faith and character of His people, making them firm and unshakeable through trials.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **θεμέλιος (themelios, `{{G2310}}`):** The direct noun form, meaning "foundation," "base," or "groundwork." The verb θεμελιόω describes the action of laying this foundation.
* **οἰκοδομέω (oikodomeō, `{{G3618}}`):** "To build," "to edify." While θεμελιόω focuses on the initial, foundational work, οἰκοδομέω describes the ongoing process of construction and spiritual upbuilding. A strong foundation is prerequisite for effective building.
* **στερεόω (stereoō, `{{G4732}}`):** "To make firm," "to strengthen." This verb shares the semantic range of establishing and confirming, often in the context of physical or spiritual fortitude.
* **ἑδραῖος (hedraios, `{{G1476}}`):** An adjective meaning "steadfast," "immovable," "firm." This describes the desired state of being that the action of θεμελιόω aims to achieve.
* **Rootedness:** Often used in conjunction with "grounded" (e.g., [[Ephesians 3:17]]), this concept emphasizes deep, stable connection, much like a tree's roots provide stability and nourishment.
### Theological Significance
The concept conveyed by θεμελιόω carries profound theological weight, underscoring themes of stability, permanence, and divine purpose:
* **God as the Ultimate Founder:** The use of θεμελιόω in relation to creation ([[Hebrews 1:10]]) establishes God as the sovereign and eternal architect of all reality. His foundational work is unchangeable and provides the ultimate basis for existence.
* **Christ as the Unshakeable Foundation:** Although θεμελιόω is not directly applied to Christ as the verb, the related noun θεμέλιος is used to describe Him as the unique "foundation" for the church ([[1 Corinthians 3:11]]; [[Ephesians 2:20]]). To be "grounded" in Christ means one's entire spiritual edifice is built upon His person and redemptive work, ensuring an unshakeable spiritual security.
* **The Gospel as the Foundation of Hope:** The exhortation to be "firmly established in the gospel" ([[Colossians 1:23]]) highlights the indispensable role of the good news of Christ as the bedrock for Christian hope, identity, and perseverance.
* **Love as the Foundational Principle for Christian Living:** The call to be "rooted and grounded in love" ([[Ephesians 3:17]]) elevates *agape* love to a foundational virtue, essential for true spiritual understanding and robust Christian experience. Without this base, other spiritual gifts or knowledge may lack true substance.
* **Divine Preservation and Perseverance:** God's promise to "establish" believers ([[1 Peter 5:10]]) speaks to His faithfulness in preserving and strengthening His people through all circumstances. It underscores the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints, not as mere human effort, but as a divine work of grace.
* **The Importance of Sound Doctrine:** Just as a physical structure requires a solid foundation to withstand external pressures, so too does Christian faith require a firm grounding in sound biblical doctrine. To be θεμελιόω implies a deep adherence to truth, guarding against spiritual instability and error.
### Summary
The Greek verb θεμελιόω (themelioō, `{{G2311}}`) fundamentally means "to lay a foundation" or "to establish firmly." While it can describe the literal act of building a base, its most significant use in the New Testament is figurative, emphasizing the spiritual establishment of believers. This includes being "grounded in love" ([[Ephesians 3:17]]), "firmly established in the gospel" ([[Colossians 1:23]]), and ultimately, confirmed and strengthened by God Himself ([[1 Peter 5:10]]). The term powerfully conveys the necessity of a secure and stable basis for Christian faith, life, and the church, pointing to God's foundational work in creation ([[Hebrews 1:10]]) and Christ's supreme role as the unshakeable cornerstone. It underscores the divine initiative in providing stability and permanence for His people and His eternal purposes.
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