The Greek word hómilos, represented by G3658, refers to an "association together," a multitude, or a company. Based on the root words for "together" and "crowd," its definition points to a collective group of people. This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single use of G3658 occurs in the book of Revelation during the description of the fall of Babylon. As the great city's wealth is brought to nothing in a single hour, various groups who profited from its commerce watch from a distance. The verse states, "And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors... stood afar off" Revelation 18:17. Here, hómilos identifies the collective body of people aboard the vessels, likely passengers or merchants, who are witnessing this dramatic judgment.
The context of G3658 is defined by its association with other maritime terms:
- G2942 kybernḗtēs (helmsman, i.e. (by implication) captain): This word for shipmaster identifies the one in command of a vessel. In Revelation 18:17, every shipmaster is listed as a witness to the judgment.
- G3492 naútēs (a boatman, i.e. seaman): This term for sailors or shipmen is used alongside G3658 to specify the professional crew of the ships Revelation 18:17. It also appears in the account of Paul's voyage in Acts, where the shipmen try to flee the ship during a storm Acts 27:30.
- G4143 ploîon (a sailer, i.e. vessel): This is the word for the ship itself, the vessel in which the "company" is located Revelation 18:17. Without the ship, the context for the company, sailors, and shipmaster would not exist.
While not a major theological term on its own, the significance of G3658 is derived entirely from its singular, powerful context.
- Witnesses to Judgment: The "company" serves as a collective witness to the swiftness and finality of God's judgment upon the world's corrupt economic and political systems, symbolized by Babylon Revelation 18:17.
- Unity in Commerce: The term highlights a specific "association together"—those involved in maritime trade. Its inclusion alongside shipmasters and sailors emphasizes that all participants in this global system, from the leadership to the general crowd, are impacted by its fall.
- Human Helplessness: This multitude, standing "afar off" on their ships, can only watch as the source of their prosperity is destroyed, underscoring the powerlessness of humanity in the face of divine judgment.
In summary, G3658 is a precise term for a "company" or "multitude" whose meaning is fixed by its sole appearance in scripture. Used in Revelation 18:17, it designates the group of people on ships who witness the destruction of Babylon. It functions as part of a list of maritime roles, including the shipmaster G2942 and sailors G3492, to illustrate the comprehensive scope of God's judgment over worldly commerce.
TRV