θεμελιόω
themelióō
G2311 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To provide or lay a foundation, either literally (to establish a structure on a physical base) or figuratively (to firmly establish, stabilize, or ground an idea, organization, community, or person). In some contexts, used of making something enduring, secure, or immovable, both physically and metaphorically. The primary sense is the act of founding or establishing upon a foundation, with secondary nuances of strengthening or settling firmly.
Semantic Range
to provide a physical foundation (for a building); to settle securely, establish firmly (of persons, convictions, teachings); to make enduring or stable; to ground (in an abstract or metaphorical sense); to cause to be immovable
Root / Etymology
From θεμέλιος (foundation, base) + -όω, a verbal suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to cause to be.' Thus, θεμελιόω means 'to make a foundation' or 'to lay foundations.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
θεμελιόω appears in later classical, Hellenistic, and Koine Greek. In Classical Greek, the verb is rare, with the noun θεμέλιος ('foundation') being standard. In the LXX and New Testament, θεμελιόω is often used metaphorically for grounding or establishing people, communities, or teachings on a solid basis (e.g., faith, love, doctrine; cf. Eph 3:17; Col 1:23). The verb conveys more than the act of beginning a construction project; it emphasizes the aspect of solidly establishing something so it cannot be easily moved or overthrown. This figurative extension is prominent in Jewish and early Christian texts, and translations such as 'establish,' 'settle,' or 'ground' often reflect NT metaphors. Standard English translations sometimes narrow the figurative sense, but the Greek usage is broader, connoting enduring security. Related terms: στηρίζω (to strengthen, support), which also carries the metaphor of stability, though θεμελιόω focuses on foundational establishment. The verb is more commonly used in Hellenistic and Koine than earlier periods.
Translation Consistency
“Establish” naturally covers both the literal sense (setting a foundation, making firm) and the figurative senses (founding, grounding, stabilizing teaching or community). It is broad and idiomatic in modern English, so every form of θεμελιόω can be rendered consistently and read naturally.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θεμέλιος; to lay a basis for, i.e. (literally) erect, or (figuratively) consolidate:--(lay the) found(- ation), ground, settle.
Root Family
θεμελιόω (themelioō) — to lay a foundation, to establish firmly, to found
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2311-02 |
τεθεμελιωμένοι | tethemeliomenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
grounded | having been firmly founded | having been firmly founded | 2 |
G2311-03 |
τεθεμελίωτο | tethemelioto | V PLPF PASS IND 3P SG |
it was founded | had been firmly founded | had been firmly founded | 1 |
G2311-04 |
θεμελιώσει | themeliosei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
establish | will lay a foundation | will lay a foundation | 1 |
G2311-01 |
ἐθεμελίωσας | ethemeliosas | V AOR ACT IND 2P SG |
laid the foundation of | you laid a foundation | you laid a foundation | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2311-03 |
Matthew 7:25 | τεθεμελίωτο | tethemelioto | V PLPF PASS IND 3P SG |
it was founded | had been firmly founded | had been firmly founded |
G2311-02 |
Ephesians 3:17 | τεθεμελιωμένοι | tethemeliomenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
grounded | having been firmly founded | having been firmly founded |
G2311-02 |
Colossians 1:23 | τεθεμελιωμένοι | tethemeliomenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
grounded | having been firmly founded | having been firmly founded |
G2311-01 |
Hebrews 1:10 | ἐθεμελίωσας | ethemeliosas | V AOR ACT IND 2P SG |
laid the foundation of | you laid a foundation | you laid a foundation |
G2311-04 |
1 Peter 5:10 | θεμελιώσει | themeliosei | V FUT ACT IND 3P SG |
establish | will lay a foundation | will lay a foundation |