### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὁμιλία (homilía), Strong's `{{G3657}}`, derives from the root ὅμιλος (homilos), which signifies a crowd, throng, or assembly. Consequently, ὁμιλία primarily denotes the state of being together, association, or companionship. By implication, this shared presence naturally extends to the act of conversation, discourse, or communication that occurs within such a setting. While the English word "homily" directly descends from this Greek term, referring to a sermon or discourse, the biblical usage of ὁμιλία emphasizes the broader concept of social interaction and the pervasive influence inherent in sustained companionship. The provided base definition "intercourse" should be understood in its older sense of social exchange and communication, rather than a sexual connotation. It encapsulates the mutual give-and-take of shared life and discourse.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὁμιλία (homilía) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its singular occurrence carries profound weight and significance.
* **[[1 Corinthians 15:33]]**: "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.'"
* In this pivotal verse, the phrase ὁμιλίαι κακαί (homilíai kakaí) is translated as "bad company" or "evil associations." Paul issues a stern warning to the Corinthian believers, who were grappling with false teachings, particularly the denial of the resurrection. The apostle quotes a well-known maxim, possibly from the Greek poet Menander, to underscore the corrupting influence of ungodly relationships.
* The context is critical: Paul is refuting those who deny the bodily resurrection of Christ and, by extension, the future resurrection of believers. Such erroneous doctrine inevitably leads to moral laxity ("Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die" [[1 Corinthians 15:32]]).
* Thus, ὁμιλία here is not merely casual conversation but deep-seated association and companionship that shapes one's worldview, beliefs, and ethical conduct. "Bad company" refers to those whose beliefs and practices are antithetical to the truth of the gospel and Christian living, leading to the corruption of "good morals" (χρηστὰ ἤθη). This single usage powerfully highlights the profound impact of one's chosen associations on spiritual and moral integrity.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ὁμιλία (homilía) is enhanced by examining related Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **ὅμιλος (homilos)**: `{{G3655}}` The root noun, meaning a crowd or multitude, underscoring the social dimension from which homilía originates.
* **ὁμιλέω (homileō)**: `{{G3656}}` The verbal form, meaning "to be in company with," "to converse," or "to talk with." Examples include the disciples "conversing" on the road to Emmaus ([[Luke 24:14]]) and Paul "conversing" until daybreak ([[Acts 20:11]]). This verb reinforces the communicative and interactive aspect inherent in homilía.
* **κοινωνία (koinōnía)**: `{{G2842}}` Fellowship, partnership, or communion. While homilía describes the act of being together and the communication that flows from it, κοινωνία emphasizes the shared participation and bond, often with a deeper spiritual resonance. Homilía can be a component of or lead to κοινωνία, or describe its counterfeit.
* **συναναμίγνυμι (synanamignymi)**: `{{G4874}}` To mix up with, to associate with. Used by Paul in [[1 Corinthians 5:9-11]] in the context of not associating with immoral believers, echoing the sentiment of ὁμιλία in [[1 Corinthians 15:33]] regarding the separation from corrupting influences.
* **Moral Influence**: The core concept underpinning ὁμιλία in [[1 Corinthians 15:33]] is the profound impact of one's associations on character and conduct. This relates to the broader biblical teaching on the importance of wise companionship ([[Proverbs 13:20]]) and avoiding evil influences.
### Theological Significance
Despite its solitary appearance, ὁμιλία (homilía) in [[1 Corinthians 15:33]] conveys a theological truth of immense practical and spiritual consequence for believers:
* **Theology of Association**: The passage emphatically teaches that one's associations are not morally or spiritually neutral. They possess an active power to shape beliefs, values, and behavior. "Bad company" (ὁμιλίαι κακαί) refers to those whose worldview (e.g., denying the resurrection) and lifestyle are antithetical to Christian truth and ethics. Such companionship actively corrupts (φθείρουσιν, *phtheirousin* – to spoil, corrupt, destroy).
* **Sanctification and Purity**: The warning serves as a practical outworking of the call to sanctification. Believers are called to be set apart for God's purposes, and this includes discerning carefully who they allow to influence their minds and hearts. Compromising associations can undermine spiritual growth and lead to moral decay.
* **Protection of Truth**: In the context of defending the resurrection, ὁμιλία highlights that erroneous doctrine can spread through close association. To protect sound doctrine and the integrity of the gospel, believers must guard against influences that propagate falsehood.
* **Importance of Godly Fellowship**: By warning against "bad company," the verse implicitly underscores the vital importance of "good company"—the fellowship of believers (κοινωνία). Christian community is designed to be a context where believers mutually edify, encourage, and hold one another accountable in truth and holiness, thereby fostering godly "homilía."
* **Discipleship and Accountability**: The word emphasizes the need for believers to be discerning in their relationships, recognizing that the very nature of shared life and discourse can either build up or tear down, lead to greater conformity to Christ or to the world.
### Summary
The Greek word ὁμιλία (homilía), `{{G3657}}`, fundamentally denotes companionship, association, and the communication that arises from shared presence. Its singular, yet highly impactful, occurrence in [[1 Corinthians 15:33]] ("Bad company ruins good morals") serves as a profound theological and practical warning. This verse underscores the critical moral and spiritual influence of one's chosen associations, highlighting that sustained companionship, particularly with those holding ungodly beliefs or practicing unrighteousness, can actively corrupt one's character and erode sound doctrine. ὁμιλία thus reminds believers of the imperative to exercise discernment in their relationships, recognizing that the quality of their "company" directly impacts their journey of sanctification and their adherence to biblical truth. It implicitly calls for a commitment to godly fellowship that fosters spiritual growth and protects against corrupting influences.
TRV