### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἴαμα (íama, `{{G2386}}`) derives from the verb ἰάομαι (iaomai, `{{G2390}}`), meaning "to heal" or "to cure." As a noun, ἴαμα specifically denotes the *effect* or *result* of healing; it is a "cure" or a "healing" as an accomplished fact. Unlike the verb, which describes the process or act of healing, ἴαμα refers to the state of being healed or the specific instance of a recovery. Its semantic range is thus confined to the concrete manifestation of divine or miraculous restoration from illness or infirmity. It does not encompass the broader concepts of medical treatment, care, or general well-being, but rather the specific, often immediate, cessation of a malady.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἴαμα (íama, `{{G2386}}`) appears exclusively in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, specifically in chapter 12, where he discusses the spiritual gifts. It is consistently used in the plural form, ἰαμάτων (iamatōn), meaning "healings" or "cures."
In [[1 Corinthians 12:9]], Paul lists "gifts of healings" (χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων) as one of the manifestations of the Spirit, given to different individuals. He reiterates this in [[1 Corinthians 12:28]], stating that God has appointed in the church "gifts of healings," and again in [[1 Corinthians 12:30]], posing the rhetorical question, "Do all have gifts of healings?" The consistent plural form is significant. It suggests not a singular, overarching ability to heal all diseases, but rather a diversity of specific instances of healing, or perhaps different types of healings for various ailments. This plurality could imply:
1. **Varieties of ailments healed:** Different types of diseases or conditions that are cured.
2. **Multiple instances of healing:** The occurrence of numerous distinct acts of healing.
3. **Different methods or recipients:** God's power manifesting in diverse ways to bring about restoration.
The context of 1 Corinthians 12 emphasizes that these are "gifts" (χαρίσματα, `{{G5486}}`), meaning they are gracious endowments from God, distributed by the Holy Spirit according to His will for the common good of the body of Christ. The focus is on the divine origin and purpose of these cures, rather than human skill or effort.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **ἰάομαι (iaomai, `{{G2390}}`):** This is the verbal root from which ἴαμα is derived. While ἴαμα is the *result* (a cure), ἰάομαι describes the *action* of healing. The New Testament frequently uses ἰάομαι to describe Jesus's acts of healing and the healing ministry of the apostles (e.g., [[Matthew 8:8]], [[Luke 4:40]], [[Acts 9:34]]).
2. **θεραπεύω (therapeuō, `{{G2323}}`) and θεραπεία (therapeia, `{{G2322}}`):** These terms also relate to healing but often carry a broader connotation of "to serve," "to care for," or "to minister to." θεραπεύω can refer to medical treatment or general care, while ἴαμα specifically points to a complete cure. In some contexts, θεραπεύω can overlap with ἰάομαι in meaning "to heal," but ἴαμα maintains its focus on the accomplished outcome.
3. **δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`):** Meaning "power" or "miraculous power," this term is often associated with the divine ability to perform healings (e.g., [[Acts 3:12]], [[Acts 4:7]]). The "gifts of healings" are manifestations of God's δύναμις.
4. **χάρισμα (charisma, `{{G5486}}`):** Crucially, ἴαμα is presented as a χάρισμα, a spiritual gift. This underscores that these healings are not earned or inherent human abilities, but gracious endowments from the Holy Spirit for the church's edification.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἴαμα lies primarily in its revelation of God's character and His ongoing work in the world through the church.
1. **Divine Compassion and Power:** The existence of "gifts of healings" demonstrates God's compassion for human suffering and His sovereign power to intervene directly in the physical realm. It testifies to a God who is not distant but intimately involved in the well-being of His creation.
2. **Gracious Endowment:** As a χάρισμα, ἴαμα highlights the gracious nature of God's provision. Healings are not earned or achieved by human merit but are freely given by the Spirit for specific purposes. This prevents boasting and directs glory back to God.
3. **Edification of the Body:** In the context of 1 Corinthians 12, all spiritual gifts, including "gifts of healings," are given for the "common good" of the church ([[1 Corinthians 12:7]]). Healings serve to build up the body of Christ, strengthen faith, authenticate the gospel message, and demonstrate God's presence among His people.
4. **Foretaste of Restoration:** The specific cures denoted by ἴαμα can be seen as a foretaste of the ultimate restoration that will occur in the eschatological age, when all sickness and suffering will be abolished. They are glimpses of God's redemptive plan for complete wholeness.
5. **Diversity in Unity:** The plural "healings" within the context of diverse gifts underscores the unity of the Spirit working through a variety of manifestations. God's healing power is not monolithic but expresses itself in multifaceted ways according to His wisdom.
### Summary
ἴαμα (íama, `{{G2386}}`) designates a specific "cure" or "healing" as an accomplished effect, distinct from the act of healing itself. Its sole New Testament occurrences in 1 Corinthians 12, always in the plural "gifts of healings" (χαρίσματα ἰαμάτων), emphasize its nature as a gracious, Spirit-empowered endowment. These "healings" are divine interventions, demonstrating God's compassionate power and serving to edify the body of Christ and authenticate the gospel. They are not merely human medical efforts but specific, miraculous restorations given by God for the common good, revealing His active presence and foreshadowing ultimate wholeness.
TRV