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οἰκονόμος

oikonómos

G3623 noun

SILEX Entry

Root οἰκονομ- to manage, to administer, to distribute, to steward

Definition

One who manages or administers the affairs of a household, estate, or organization on behalf of an owner or superior; a steward, manager, or administrator. In primary usage, refers to a person entrusted with the oversight of property, finances, servants, or affairs in both private households and institutional contexts. Figuratively, may denote one entrusted with responsibility for a particular task, role, or community (e.g., religious or civic stewardship). The term can extend to broader meanings such as overseer, administrator, and, in later and figurative contexts, one entrusted with the dissemination or guardianship of divine or philosophical truths.

Semantic Range

household manager, steward, administrator, overseer, manager of property or finances, fiscal agent, treasurer, official responsible for resources, figuratively: one entrusted with sacred duties or responsibilities

Root / Etymology

Derived from οἶκος ('house, household') and νέμω ('to dispense, distribute, manage'), yielding the sense of 'one who manages or controls a household or estate.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, οἰκονόμος denoted a household manager responsible for administration, finances, and sometimes discipline, usually acting on behalf of the owner, whether in noble or civic houses; it also denoted officials in temples and city administrations. In Hellenistic and Roman periods, its scope broadened to include financial officers, administrators, or treasurers in civic and institutional settings. In the Septuagint, it is used for those overseeing resources or estate affairs, and also appears for high-ranking officials (Genesis 43:19, 1 Kings 4:6 LXX). In the New Testament, οἰκονόμος retains its core sense but is also used metaphorically for spiritual stewardship and the management of divine mysteries (e.g., 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; Titus 1:7). Standard English translations as 'steward,' 'manager,' or 'administrator' reflect the broad semantic range, though 'chamberlain' as used in some translations reflects specific institutional roles. The English 'preacher of the Gospel' as a gloss is a secondary, figurative extension not present in the primary or original secular sense but emerges in early Christian usage. The semantic range emphasizes responsibility on behalf of another, not simply ownership or authority; the 'steward' is an entrusted servant or administrator rather than a proprietor. Contrasts with related terms like διακόνος (servant) or ἐπίτροπος (guardian, trustee), which focus more on servanthood or legal guardianship rather than entrusted management or oversight.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from οἶκος and the base of νόμος; a house-distributor (i.e. manager), or overseer, i.e. an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preacher (of the Gospel):--chamberlain, governor, steward.

Root Family

οἰκονόμος (oikonomos) — to manage, to administer, to distribute, to steward

Word Forms

5 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3623-03 οἰκονόμον oikonomon N ACC M SG steward household manager 3
G3623-04 οἰκονόμος oikonomos N NOM M SG steward household steward 3
G3623-05 οἰκονόμους oikonomous N ACC M PL managers household stewards 2
G3623-02 οἰκονόμοις oikonomois N DAT M PL stewards to the household managers 1
G3623-01 οἰκονόμοι oikonomoi N NOM M PL stewards household managers 1

Occurrences in Scripture

10 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3623-04 Luke 12:42 οἰκονόμος oikonomos N NOM M SG steward household steward
G3623-03 Luke 16:1 οἰκονόμον oikonomon N ACC M SG steward household manager
G3623-04 Luke 16:3 οἰκονόμος oikonomos N NOM M SG steward household steward
G3623-03 Luke 16:8 οἰκονόμον oikonomon N ACC M SG steward household manager
G3623-04 Romans 16:23 οἰκονόμος oikonomos N NOM M SG treasurer household steward
G3623-05 1 Corinthians 4:1 οἰκονόμους oikonomous N ACC M PL stewards household stewards
G3623-02 1 Corinthians 4:2 οἰκονόμοις oikonomois N DAT M PL stewards to the household managers
G3623-05 Galatians 4:2 οἰκονόμους oikonomous N ACC M PL managers household stewards
G3623-03 Titus 1:7 οἰκονόμον oikonomon N ACC M SG steward household manager
G3623-01 1 Peter 4:10 οἰκονόμοι oikonomoi N NOM M PL stewards household managers
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