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 term κέραμος (kéramos), Strong's number `{{G2766}}`, fundamentally denotes "earthenware" or "pottery." Its etymology traces to the base of κεράννυμι (keránnymi), suggesting a connection to the idea of mixing, specifically the mixing of clay and water in the creation process. This root highlights the material composition—clay—and the human craft involved in transforming it into a hardened, usable object through firing. While "earthenware" is its broader semantic range, in its specific New Testament occurrence, it refers to a "tile," likely a fired clay tile used for roofing. This particular usage emphasizes a common, utilitarian building material, yet one that requires significant effort and skill in its production. The word thus carries connotations of both the raw, natural element (clay) and the shaped, crafted product, often implying durability within its inherent fragility.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κέραμος (kéramos) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 5:19]]**: "And not finding how to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus."
In this solitary occurrence, κέραμος refers to the "tiles" of a roof. The context is the miraculous healing of a paralytic by Jesus. The friends of the paralytic, unable to gain access to Jesus through the crowded doorway, demonstrate extraordinary faith and determination by ascending to the roof. Their action of "letting him down through the tiles" (διὰ τῶν κεράμων) indicates a direct, physical removal or disruption of the roofing material. This detail is significant, highlighting the extreme measures taken to bring the afflicted man into the presence of the Healer. The tiles, though common building material, become instrumental in this dramatic display of faith, serving as an obstacle that is overcome rather than an object of inherent theological meaning in themselves. This single instance provides a vivid picture of first-century domestic architecture and the lengths to which people would go for divine intervention.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of "earthenware" or "clay" is rich in biblical symbolism, connecting κέραμος (kéramos) to several important theological themes, even if indirectly.
* **Potter (κεραμεύς, kerameús, `{{G2764}}`)**: Directly derived from κέραμος, this word denotes the craftsman who shapes clay. This relationship is crucial, as the potter's work on clay is a foundational metaphor for God's sovereignty over humanity.
* **Clay (πηλός, pēlos, `{{G4081}}`)**: The raw material from which earthenware is made. This Greek term, along with its Hebrew counterparts like חֹמֶר (chomer, `{{H2556}}`) or טִיט (tît, `{{H6775}}`), frequently represents humanity's humble origins and physical composition, formed from the dust of the earth.
* **Vessel (σκεῦος, skeuos, `{{G4632}}`)**: Often used in conjunction with "earthenware" to describe containers made of clay. The phrase "earthen vessels" (ὀστρακίνοις σκεύεσιν) in [[2 Corinthians 4:7]] is particularly pertinent, symbolizing the fragile human body that contains the glorious treasure of the gospel.
* **Form/Fashion (יָצַר, yatsar, `{{H3335}}`)**: This Hebrew verb, often translated "to form" or "to fashion," is consistently used to describe God as the divine Potter shaping humanity (e.g., [[Isaiah 64:8]]).
These related terms illuminate the broader biblical narrative where humanity, like earthenware, is seen as a creation of God, fragile yet purposed, shaped by the divine hand.
### Theological Significance
While κέραμος (kéramos) itself, as a mere "tile," holds no intrinsic theological significance in its sole New Testament occurrence, its presence in [[Luke 5:19]] is profoundly illustrative. The "tiles" represent a physical barrier that must be traversed for the paralytic to reach Jesus. This act of breaking through the roof symbolizes the extraordinary faith and determination required to overcome obstacles—whether physical, social, or spiritual—in order to access God's grace and healing power. It underscores the active role of human persistence in seeking divine intervention.
More broadly, when considering the semantic field of "earthenware" and "clay" as related concepts, deeper theological truths emerge:
* **Humanity's Humility and Fragility**: Like clay vessels, humanity is created from the earth, inherently fragile and mortal. This reminds us of our dependence on God and the temporary nature of our earthly existence ([[Genesis 2:7]], [[Psalm 103:14]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty and Creation**: God is consistently depicted as the divine Potter, shaping humanity according to His will ([[Isaiah 64:8]], [[Romans 9:20-21]]). This metaphor highlights God's absolute authority, wisdom, and creative power over His creation. The clay has no right to question the potter.
* **The Vessel of the Gospel**: The imagery of "earthen vessels" containing a divine "treasure" ([[2 Corinthians 4:7]]) is a powerful theological statement. It emphasizes that the glorious power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit resides within frail human beings, ensuring that the credit for spiritual transformation belongs to God alone, not to human strength or wisdom. This paradox elevates God's power while humbling human instruments.
### Summary
The Greek word κέραμος (kéramos, `{{G2766}}`) refers to "earthenware" or, more specifically in its New Testament context, a "tile." Its single appearance in [[Luke 5:19]] describes the physical tiles of a roof through which a paralytic was lowered to Jesus, serving as a powerful illustration of faith overcoming literal barriers to reach the Lord. While the tile itself holds no inherent theological meaning, its disruption highlights the extraordinary determination of those seeking God's intervention. More broadly, the concept of "earthenware" and "clay," through related terms like `{{G2764}}` (kerameús, potter) and `{{G4081}}` (pēlos, clay), carries profound theological significance. It metaphorically represents humanity's humble origins, inherent fragility, and complete dependence on God as the sovereign Potter who shapes and uses us for His divine purposes, even as fragile vessels containing His glorious truth.
TRV