probably from the base of κεράννυμι (through the idea of mixing clay and water); earthenware, i.e. a tile (by analogy, a thin roof or awning):--tiling.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kéramos**, represented by `{{G2766}}`, refers to **earthenware** or, by analogy, a **tile**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its base definition suggests an origin related to the mixing of clay and water, highlighting its connection to crafted, earthen materials used in construction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G2766}}` occurs in the narrative of the paralytic man brought to Jesus. When a group of men could not find a way to **bring** `{{G1533}}` their friend to Jesus because of the **multitude** `{{G3793}}`, they took extraordinary measures. They went up on the **housetop** `{{G1430}}` and let him down on his **couch** `{{G2826}}` **through** `{{G1223}}` the **tiling** `{{G2766}}`, placing him in the **midst** `{{G3319}}` right **before** `{{G1715}}` **Jesus** `{{G2424}}` [[Luke 5:19]]. Here, the word literally describes the roofing material that was removed to create an opening.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context of this event:
* `{{G1430}}` **dōma** (housetop): This word, meaning an edifice or specifically a **roof**, identifies the location of the action. Housetops were also places for public proclamation [[Matthew 10:27]] or prayer [[Acts 10:9]].
* `{{G2524}}` **kathíēmi** (to lower): This verb describes the action of letting the man down from the roof. It means to **lower**, as when the disciples let Paul down a wall in a basket [[Acts 9:25]] or when Peter saw a great sheet **let down** from heaven [[Acts 10:11]].
* `{{G1223}}` **diá** (through): This preposition, denoting the **channel** of an act, is crucial. It shows that the **tiling** was the medium through which the man was brought to Jesus, emphasizing that they went directly through the barrier [[Luke 5:19]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G2766}}` is derived entirely from its role in this one powerful narrative.
* **A Pathway through Obstacles:** The act of removing the **tiling** `{{G2766}}` serves as a physical illustration of faith overcoming barriers. Faced with a **multitude** `{{G3793}}` that blocked their path, the men found a different **way** `{{G4169}}` to reach their goal [[Luke 5:19]].
* **Creating Access to Jesus:** The roof, made of **tiling**, was the final barrier between the sick man and the healer. By letting him down **through** `{{G1223}}` it, his friends brought him directly into the **midst** `{{G3319}}` and **before** `{{G1715}}` **Jesus** `{{G2424}}`, demonstrating a determination to create access where none existed.
* **The Object of Radical Action:** The **tiling** is the object that is broken apart in an act of desperate faith. The choice to **go up** `{{G305}}` upon the housetop and dismantle it shows the lengths to which they would go to bring someone into the presence of Jesus [[Luke 5:19]].
### Summary
In summary, **kéramos** `{{G2766}}` is a simple word for **tiling** or earthenware that is given profound meaning by its singular context. It represents the physical barrier that was overcome by radical faith in the quest for healing. While the word itself is mundane, its role in the story from [[Luke 5:19]] transforms it into a symbol of the creative and persistent nature of a faith that refuses to be hindered from bringing those in need to Jesus.
TRV