### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word G4733 (στέρεωμα, *steréōma*) is derived from the verb στερεόω (*stereóō*, `{{G4731}}`), meaning "to make firm, strengthen, or establish." Its core meaning, therefore, is "something established," conveying a sense of solidity, foundation, and unshakeable stability.
The semantic range of *steréōma* encompasses:
* **Firmness/Stability:** A state of being unmoving, steadfast, or resolute.
* **Confirmation/Establishment:** The act or result of making something secure, valid, or permanent.
* **Foundation/Structure:** In its more literal sense (especially in the Septuagint), it refers to a solid, created expanse or support.
In the New Testament, its usage leans towards the abstract, signifying spiritual or doctrinal steadfastness rather than physical structures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G4733 (στέρεωμα, *steréōma*) appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[Colossians 2:5]]**: "For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the *firmness* of your faith in Christ."
* **Context:** Paul is commending the Colossian believers, even as he warns them against false teachings (a major theme throughout the epistle). The "firmness" (*steréōma*) of their faith is presented as a commendable spiritual quality, directly linked to their "good order" (τάξις, *táxis*). This implies a well-organized, disciplined, and unshakeable adherence to the truth of Christ, making them resilient against the philosophical and legalistic errors threatening the church. Their faith is not easily swayed but is deeply rooted and stable.
While singular in the NT, its usage in the Septuagint (LXX) provides crucial background:
* **[[Genesis 1:6-8]]**: Here, *steréōma* consistently translates the Hebrew word רָקִיעַ (*raqia'*, `{{H7549}}`), referring to the "firmament" or "expanse" of the heavens, a divinely established and stable part of creation.
* **[[Psalm 19:1]]**: "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the *firmament* sheweth his handywork." Again, the *steréōma* is the stable, created order of the heavens, testifying to God's power.
* **[[Ezekiel 1:22-26]]**: Used to describe the awe-inspiring "expanse" or "firmament" above the heads of the living creatures, often associated with the glorious throne of God.
The LXX usage anchors *steréōma* in the concept of a divinely established, unshakeable physical reality. This background enriches the NT meaning, suggesting that the "firmness of faith" is not merely human resolve but a spiritual state as solid and divinely grounded as the very heavens.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** στερεόω (*stereóō*, `{{G4731}}`): "to make firm, strengthen, establish." This verb highlights the active process of making something stable. Examples include the strengthening of the lame man's feet in [[Acts 3:7]] and [[Acts 3:16]], and the strengthening of churches in the faith in [[Acts 16:5]].
* **Adjective:** στερεός (*stereós*, `{{G4732}}`): "firm, solid, stable." This adjective describes the quality of being firm. It is used to describe God's "firm foundation" in [[2 Timothy 2:19]] and "solid food" for mature believers in [[Hebrews 5:12]] and [[Hebrews 5:14]].
* **Conceptual Links:**
* **Steadfastness/Endurance:** Closely related to ὑπομονή (*hypomonē*, `{{G5281}}`), which denotes patient endurance and perseverance in trials.
* **Unshakeableness:** The idea of being ἀσάλευτος (*asaleutos*, `{{G761}}`), unmovable or unshakeable, is inherent in *steréōma*.
* **Foundation:** The concept of a secure θεμέλιος (*themelios*, `{{G2310}}`), or foundation, underlies the meaning of something being "established."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4733 (στέρεωμα, *steréōma*) is profound, particularly in its singular New Testament occurrence:
* **The Divine Basis of Stability:** The Septuagint's use of *steréōma* for the heavens and firmament (God's creation) underscores that ultimate firmness and stability reside in God. He is the one who establishes and makes firm. Therefore, the "firmness of faith" is not merely human resolve but a divinely enabled and sustained spiritual state.
* **The Firmness of Faith in Christ:** In [[Colossians 2:5]], the "firmness of faith in Christ" is a commendation of profound spiritual health. This firmness implies:
* **Resistance to Heresy:** A faith characterized by *steréōma* is not easily swayed by deceptive philosophies or false teachings, a crucial point in Paul's letter to the Colossians. It signifies a faith deeply rooted in the truth and sufficiency of Christ.
* **Spiritual Maturity:** While not explicitly stated, such firmness suggests a degree of spiritual maturity, moving beyond the instability of spiritual infancy. It aligns with the concept of partaking in "solid food" (`{{G4732}}`) rather than milk.
* **Christ as the Foundation:** The firmness is "in Christ," indicating that He is the unshakeable foundation upon which believers stand. The Colossian church's *steréōma* is a testament to their deep grounding in Him as the head of all principality and power.
* **Corporate Stability and Order:** Paul observes the *steréōma* of *their* faith, suggesting a collective stability within the community. This corporate firmness contributes to the "good order" (τάξις) of the church, fostering unity, discipline, and resilience against both internal and external pressures. A firm faith among individuals creates a stable and orderly body of believers.
### Summary
The Greek word G4733 (στέρεωμα, *steréōma*) signifies "something established," conveying the essential qualities of firmness, stability, and steadfastness. While its use in the New Testament is limited to [[Colossians 2:5]], where it describes the "firmness of faith" in Christ, its broader usage in the Septuagint for the divinely created "firmament" provides a rich theological backdrop. This background suggests that true spiritual firmness is not merely human resolve but a divinely enabled state, as unshakeable and foundational as the heavens themselves. Theologically, *steréōma* highlights the critical importance of a stable, unyielding faith in Christ, a faith that robustly resists error and contributes significantly to the good order, unity, and resilience of the believing community.
TRV