στερέωμα
steréōma
G4733 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or condition of being firm, stable, or established; a structure or that which provides stability. In literal contexts, refers to a solid structure, firmament, or foundation; in abstract or figurative contexts, refers to firmness, steadfastness, or the quality of being steadfast or unwavering.
Semantic Range
firmness, stability, steadfastness, solid structure, foundation, support, strength, the firmament (in cosmological contexts), steadfast quality or condition
Root / Etymology
From the verb στερεόω ('to make firm, to strengthen'), itself from στερεός ('firm, solid'). The derivational suffix -ωμα indicates the result or product of an action, so στερέωμα is that which has been made firm or solidified.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word στερέωμα occurs rarely in Hellenistic Greek, with its most well-known usage in the Septuagint translation of Genesis 1, where it renders the Hebrew רָקִיעַ (raqia‘), often translated 'firmament' or 'expanse,' referring to the solid dome-like sky separating the upper and lower waters. In the broader Koine period, στερέωμα could denote any solid structure, foundation, or support. In Philo and other Hellenistic Jewish writers, it could carry both physical and metaphysical senses, such as an abiding principle or a sustaining framework. In later Christian literature and the New Testament (Colossians 2:5), it is used metaphorically for stability, steadfastness, or firmness in faith or belief. Standard English translations often use 'steadfastness' or 'firmness,' but these may miss the physical and structural connotations present in non-biblical and Septuagint usage. The term is contrasted with αἰθήρ (aither, 'upper air') and οὐρανός (ouranos, 'sky' or 'heaven'), which lack the notion of solidity intrinsic to στερέωμα.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from στερεόω; something established, i.e. (abstractly) confirmation (stability):--stedfastness.
Root Family
στερέωμα (stereōma) — firmness, stability, solid structure, foundation, steadfastness
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4733-01 |
στερέωμα | stereoma | N ACC N SG |
steadfastness | the firmness | steadfastness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4733-01 |
Colossians 2:5 | στερέωμα | stereoma | N ACC N SG |
steadfastness | the firmness | steadfastness |