neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of στοιχέω; something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively):--element, principle, rudiment.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **stoicheîon**, represented by `{{G4747}}`, refers to something orderly in arrangement, often a **basal**, **fundamental**, or **initial** constituent. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is translated in various ways, including **element**, **principle**, and **rudiment**, indicating its use for both literal building blocks and figurative foundational concepts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{G4747}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It can refer to basic, worldly principles, as seen in Galatians where believers are warned against turning back to "the weak **and** beggarly **elements**" to which they were once in **bondage** [[Galatians 4:9]]. Similarly, Colossians warns against being deceived by human **tradition** and philosophy, which are described as the "**rudiments** of the **world**" and are contrasted with being "after **Christ**" [[Colossians 2:8]]. In a different sense, it refers to foundational divine teaching, as the "first **principles** of the oracles **of God**" which are like **milk** for spiritual infants [[Hebrews 5:12]]. Lastly, it is used in a literal, cosmic sense to describe the physical **elements** of creation that will **melt** with fervent heat on the day of the **Lord** ([[2 Peter 3:10]], [[2 Peter 3:12]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the contexts in which **stoicheîon** appears:
* `{{G2889}}` **kósmos** (world): This term is frequently paired with `{{G4747}}` to describe the "**rudiments** of the **world**" [[Colossians 2:8]] or the "**elements** of the **world**" [[Galatians 4:3]]. It refers to the worldly system of philosophy and tradition from which believers have been freed.
* `{{G746}}` **archḗ** (beginning, principle): This word is used alongside `{{G4747}}` to form the phrase "first **principles**," signifying the foundational doctrines of God's **oracles** that are necessary for new believers [[Hebrews 5:12]].
* `{{G3089}}` **lýō** (dissolve, melt, destroy): In its literal sense, `{{G4747}}` refers to the physical **elements** that will **melt** or be **dissolved** on the day of the Lord, a concept reinforced by the use of **lýō** [[2 Peter 3:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4747}}` is seen in its contrasting applications, highlighting what believers should leave behind and what they should build upon.
* **Worldly Rudiments vs. Christ:** `{{G4747}}` is often used to denote basic, worldly systems of belief, human **tradition**, and ordinances [[Colossians 2:20]]. Believers are warned not to be taken captive by these "**rudiments** of the **world**," as they are insufficient and stand in contrast to the fullness found in **Christ** [[Colossians 2:8]]. To return to these is to desire **bondage** [[Galatians 4:9]].
* **Foundational Divine Truth:** In a positive sense, `{{G4747}}` represents the essential "first **principles** of the **oracles** of **God**" [[Hebrews 5:12]]. These are the initial, necessary teachings for spiritual **children**, comparable to **milk**, which must be understood before one can move on to the **strong** meat of deeper doctrine.
* **Eschatological Judgment:** The word also carries a literal, eschatological meaning, referring to the fundamental **elements** of the physical **world** `{{G2889}}`. Scripture states that in the day of the **Lord**, these **elements** will **melt** with fervent heat, signifying the temporary nature of the current creation and the finality of God's judgment ([[2 Peter 3:10]], [[2 Peter 3:12]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4747}}` **stoicheîon** is a multifaceted term that encompasses both figurative principles and literal physical components. It serves to contrast the "weak **and** beggarly **elements**" of the world's philosophies and traditions with the foundational "first **principles** of the **oracles** of **God**" ([[Galatians 4:9]], [[Hebrews 5:12]]). Furthermore, its use in an eschatological context reminds believers that the present **world**, including its most basic **elements**, is temporary and will be **dissolved** at the coming of the **Lord** [[2 Peter 3:12]]. The word thus challenges believers to mature beyond elementary stages of faith and to fix their hope not on the rudiments of this world but on **Christ**.
TRV