### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὅμιλος (hómilos, `{{G3658}}`) derives from the base of ὁμοῦ (homou, meaning "together" or "at the same place") and a derivative of αἱρέομαι (haireomai, implying "to take" or "to choose for oneself"). The combined etymology points to the concept of people "taken together" or "gathered in one place." Its core meaning denotes an "association together," a "multitude," or a "company." While it can refer to a large, undifferentiated crowd, its semantic range also encompasses a more specific, defined group of individuals united by proximity or shared purpose. The emphasis is on a collective body rather than isolated individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὅμιλος (hómilos, `{{G3658}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 5:9]]**: "For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of fish that they had taken." In this verse, ὅμιλος is translated as "company" (e.g., ESV, KJV) or "group" (e.g., NIV). The context is the miraculous catch of fish, where Jesus instructs Simon Peter to let down his nets. Following the overwhelming catch, Peter, James, and John, who were partners in the fishing enterprise, are described as the "company" (ὅμιλος) who were astonished. This specific usage highlights a relatively small, defined group of individuals—Peter and his fellow fishermen—who were together, sharing a common experience and witnessing a divine act. It underscores the communal aspect of this foundational event in their call to discipleship, distinguishing them from a general, undifferentiated crowd often described by words like ὄχλος (ochlos, `{{G3793}}`).
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding ὅμιλος (hómilos, `{{G3658}}`) benefits from comparison with other Greek terms for groups or crowds:
* ὁμοῦ (homou, `{{G3674}}`): The root word, meaning "together" or "at the same place," reinforces the idea of gathering and proximity inherent in ὅμιλος.
* ὄχλος (ochlos, `{{G3793}}`): This is the most common word for a "multitude" or "crowd" in the Gospels, often referring to a large, sometimes unruly, general populace following Jesus. Unlike ὅμιλος in [[Luke 5:9]], ὄχλος typically does not imply a specific, defined association or shared purpose beyond observation.
* πλήθος (plēthos, `{{G4128}}`): Meaning "multitude," "great number," or "assembly." While πλήθος can also denote a large group, it can also refer to a "body" or "assembly" with a more structured or recognized identity (e.g., the "multitude of the disciples" in [[Acts 6:2]]).
* συναγωγή (synagōgē, `{{G4864}}`): Literally "a bringing together," referring to an "assembly" or "synagogue." This term implies a more formal or religious gathering.
* The concept of "fellowship" (κοινωνία, koinōnia, `{{G2842}}`) is closely related, as ὅμιλος in [[Luke 5:9]] describes the initial company that would form the nucleus of Christ's fellowship.
### Theological Significance
Though ὅμιλος (hómilos, `{{G3658}}`) is used only once, its singular appearance in [[Luke 5:9]] carries significant theological weight. It describes the immediate circle of disciples—Peter, James, and John—who were eyewitnesses to one of Jesus's early and profound miracles. This "company" represents the nascent community of believers, the foundational group called out by Christ. Their shared astonishment underscores the divine power of Jesus and their collective response to His authority. The word highlights the communal nature of witnessing God's revelation and the corporate aspect of the call to discipleship. It suggests that faith is not merely an individual experience but often forged and deepened within a shared context, a "company" of fellow travelers. This initial ὅμιλος would become the core of the apostolic witness, forming the very first "company" of those who would follow Christ and establish His church.
### Summary
The Greek word ὅμιλος (hómilos, `{{G3658}}`) signifies an "association together," a "multitude," or a "company." Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 5:9]] is particularly insightful, referring to Peter, James, and John—the specific "company" of fishermen who witnessed the miraculous catch and were astonished by Jesus's power. This usage, distinct from more general terms for "crowd," emphasizes a defined group bound by shared experience and proximity to Christ. Theologically, this unique "company" represents the foundational community of disciples, highlighting the communal nature of witnessing divine acts and the corporate call to follow Jesus. Though rare, ὅμιλος underscores the formation of an intimate, divinely appointed group that would serve as the nucleus of the early church.
TRV