ὀχύρωμα
ochýrōma
G3794 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A structure or place that serves as a fortified defense; specifically, a fortress, stronghold, or secure fortification. In extended or metaphorical usage, a source of strength or protection, or, in discourse, a firmly held position or argument that resists attack or refutation.
Semantic Range
fortress, stronghold, fortified place, secure defense, rampart, (figuratively) entrenched argument or belief system
Root / Etymology
From a (likely lost) derivative of ἔχω (to have, hold), connected by form and sense to ὀχύς (firm, strong). The term integrates the idea of something held securely or made firm as a defensive position.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ὀχύρωμα referred to any man-made structure designed for strong defense, such as a wall, fortress, or rampart, and could also reference embankments or fortified towns. In Hellenistic and Koine usage (e.g., Polybius, Josephus), it retained this literal sense but expanded to include abstract or figurative uses, most notably in 2 Corinthians 10:4, where Paul uses it metaphorically for ideological 'strongholds' – entrenched patterns of thought or arguments resistant to change. The metaphorical use is not common in pre-Christian Greek. English translations sometimes render the term as 'stronghold,' 'fortress,' or, in metaphorical contexts, 'argumentative stronghold,' but the English 'castle' does not fully capture the ancient range. In Septuagintal context, similar terms may translate Hebrew מצודה (metsudah, fortress), but ὀχύρωμα itself is rare in the LXX.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from a remote derivative of ἔχω (meaning to fortify, through the idea of holding safely); a castle (figuratively, argument):--stronghold.
Root Family
ὀχύρωμα (ochyrōma) — fortress, stronghold, fortified defense, secured position
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3794-01 |
ὀχυρωμάτων | ochuromaton | N GEN N PL |
of fortified strongholds | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3794-01 |
2 Corinthians 10:4 | ὀχυρωμάτων | ochuromaton | N GEN N PL |
of fortified strongholds |