ἑδραίωμα
hedraíōma
G1477 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Support, foundation, or that which provides firmness and stability. In figurative contexts, refers to something or someone serving as a stabilizing basis (e.g., the foundational principle or bulwark of a collective entity).
Semantic Range
foundation, support, stabilizing base, ground, that which provides firmness; (figurative) the sustaining or stabilizing principle within a community or institution
Root / Etymology
Derived from the adjective ἑδραῖος (hedraios, 'firm, steadfast, immovable'), itself formed from ἕδρα (hedra, 'seat, base, sitting place') and the adjectival suffix -αῖος. The suffix -μα typically forms result nouns, thus ἑδραίωμα denotes that which makes firm or stable (i.e., a foundation or a firm support).
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἑδραίωμα is rare in Greek literature and is attested notably in late Koine and early Christian texts. In 1 Timothy 3:15, it is used metaphorically to describe the function of the ecclesia as 'the pillar and foundation (ἑδραίωμα) of the truth', conveying the sense of a stabilizing base that upholds truth within a community. The word is not common in the Septuagint or earlier Greek; instead, terms like θεμέλιος (foundation stone) or βάσις (base) occur for architectural or metaphoric support. The metaphorical usage in the New Testament context aligns with the broader Koine practice of applying architectural vocabulary to social or ethical foundations. Early English translations such as 'ground' or 'support' do not exhaustively convey the full semantic force of providing permanence and stability, nor the architectural imagery. There is no direct relation to ethnic, religious, or geographic identity encoded in this term.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a derivative of ἑδραῖος; a support, i.e. (figuratively) basis:--ground.
Root Family
ἑδραίωμα (hedraiōma) — seat, base, support, foundation
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1477-01 |
ἑδραίωμα | edraioma | N NOM N SG |
ground | stabilizing foundation | foundation | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1477-01 |
1 Timothy 3:15 | ἑδραίωμα | edraioma | N NOM N SG |
ground | stabilizing foundation | foundation |