### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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