### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stoá**, represented by `{{G4745}}`, refers to a **porch** or a colonnade. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, designating a specific type of architectural structure, a colonnade or interior piazza. Its use in scripture points to significant locations of public gathering and divine activity within Jerusalem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4745}}` consistently identifies places of public assembly and important events. It is famously associated with "Solomon's **porch**" within the temple precincts, a location where Jesus walked [[John 10:23]]. This same **porch** served as a gathering place for the early believers, where the apostles were all together "with one accord" [[Acts 5:12]] and where a crowd ran together after Peter and John healed a lame man [[Acts 3:11]]. The word is also used to describe the five **porches** at the pool of Bethesda, a site known for its connection to healing [[John 5:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context in which a **porch** appears:
* `{{G2411}}` **hierón** (temple): This refers to the sacred precincts of the Temple. Solomon's porch was a feature within the **temple** where Jesus walked [[John 10:23]].
* `{{G4672}}` **Solomṓn** (Solomon): Three of the four occurrences of **stoá** are specifically identified with **Solomon**, the son of David ([[Acts 3:11]], [[Acts 5:12]], [[John 10:23]]).
* `{{G2861}}` **kolymbḗthra** (pool): The term is used to describe the **pool** at Bethesda, which was distinguished by its five porches [[John 5:2]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4745}}` is found in the events that take place within these structures. They were not merely architectural details but stages for pivotal moments in redemptive history.
* **A Site of Miracles:** Solomon's porch was where the apostles wrought "many signs and wonders" [[Acts 5:12]] and where a lame man was healed, causing the people to be "greatly wondering" [[Acts 3:11]].
* **A Venue for Apostolic Ministry:** The porches served as a public space where the apostles gathered and where their ministry was witnessed by the people [[Acts 5:12]].
* **A Place of Divine Presence:** Jesus himself walked in Solomon's porch, marking it as a location of His presence and teaching within the temple grounds [[John 10:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4745}}` is more than just a word for a **porch**. It specifically marks areas within Jerusalem, like Solomon's Porch in the temple `{{G2411}}` and the colonnades at the pool of Bethesda `{{G2861}}`, as centers of public life and spiritual significance. These porches were the backdrop for the ministry of Jesus, the miracles of the apostles, and the gathering of the early church, illustrating how God's work is often displayed in the open, public spaces of human activity.
TRV