Limited to Mt. 7:25; Lk. 6:48; Eph. 3:17; Col. 1:23; Heb. 1:10; 1 Pet. 5:10, the Greek verb “themelioo” meant “make stable,” “to found,” “to lay a foundation.” Jesus used this verb in His “wise man” teaching (Mt. 7:25; Lk. 6:48). In Heb. 1:10, this word is association with the creation of the earth. Christians also need to “be stable/well grounded” (Eph. 3:17; Col. 1:23; 1 Pet. 5:10).
Category Archives: Greek word studies
The Greek noun “θεμέλιος”
Limited to Lk. 6:48-49; 14:29; Acts 16:26; Rom. 15:20; 1 Cor. 3:10-12; Eph. 2:20; 1 Tim. 6:19; 2 Tim. 2:19; Heb. 6:1; 11:10; Rev. 21:14, 19, the Greek noun “themelios” meant “foundation.” Refusing or failing to follow Jesus Christ is like building a house with no “foundation” (Lk. 6:48-49). The “foundation” offered by God is secure (2 Tim. 2:19).
The Greek verb “θέλω”
Found more than two hundred times in the New Testament and most often used in Matthew-Galatians, the Greek verb “thelo” meant “to be willing,” “to wish,” “to have,” “to do,” “desire.” While this verb is sometimes used in connection with God (Mt. 9:13; 12:7; 27:43; Rom. 9:16, 18), Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 4:19), and the devil (Lk. 4:6), it is most often associated with human beings. This verb is associated with healing (Mk. 1:40; 10:51), being a disciple of Christ (Mk. 8:34), and even some degree of non-compliance with God’s will (Heb. 12:17; Jas. 2:20; 2 Pet. 3:5).
The Greek noun “θέλησις”
Limited to Heb. 2:4, the Greek noun “thelesis” meant “will,” “decision,” “determination.” The Hebrew writer said supernatural gifts were given according to the “will” of God. A similar point is made in 1 Cor. 12:11 and discussed in my commentary on this verse.
The Greek noun “θέλημα”
First used in Mt. 6:10 and found more than sixty times in the New Testament, the Greek noun “thelma” meant “will,” “purpose,” “determination.” This word most often describes the will of God, though it describes the devil’s will in 2 Tim. 2:26. Matthew wrote about the “will of the Father in heaven” (7:21; 12:50; 18:14). Jesus’ sacrifice was based on the “will of God” (Gal. 1:4). It was also God’s “will” that Paul be an apostle (2 Cor. 1:1; Col. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1). Being thankful (1 Thess. 5:18) is part of God’s will, as is doing God’s from the heart (Eph. 6:6). Verses like Lk. 12:47; Acts 22:14; Col. 4:12 and Heb. 10:36; 13:21; 1 Pet. 4:2; 1 Jn. 2:17 tell us we can truly know and do the will of God.
The Greek adjective “θειώδης”
Limited to Rev. 9:17, the Greek adjective “θειώδης” meant “sulfurous” or “of brimstone.” John described horsemen wearing breastplates “of fire and of hyacinth and of brimstone.”
The Greek noun “θειότης”
Limited to Rom. 1:20, the Greek noun theiotes” meant “divinity” or “divine nature.” This term describes the attributes and qualities which make God who and what He is.
The Greek adjective “θεῖος”
Limited to Acts 17:29; 2 Pet. 1:3-4, the Greek adjective “theios” meant “divine.”
The Greek noun “θεῖον”
Limited to Lk. 17:29; Rev. 9:17-18; 14:10; 19:20; 20:10; 21:8, the Greek noun “theion” meant “brimstone” or “sulfur.” When used in the New Testament, this noun is always associated with fire. God’s fierce wrath is described as “fire and brimstone.”
The Greek noun “θέατρον”
Limited to Acts 19:29, 31; 1 Cor. 4:9, the Greek noun “theatron” meant “a place for public shows,” “theater,” spectacle.” In Acts 19, this word describes the “theater” at Ephesus. In 1 Cor. 4:9, Paul said it was like he was a “spectacle” on a stage for angels and men.