Strong’s G4731: An adjective meaning “solid, firm, steadfast.” In New Testament usage, it describes both physical solidity and spiritual stability, particularly in contexts of spiritual maturity and doctrinal foundation, emphasizing the need for firmness in faith and teaching.
U- Unveiling the Word
στερεός represents both physical hardness and spiritual steadfastness. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts discussing spiritual maturity (contrasting solid food with milk) and doctrinal stability. The word carries architectural imagery of a solid foundation while also describing the quality of mature faith. Early church fathers employed this term when discussing both doctrinal orthodoxy and spiritual development. Today, it continues to express the importance of building firm spiritual foundations and developing mature faith.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: στερεός, stereos, STER-eh-os
- Detailed pronunciation: ster (as in stair) + eh (as in bed) + os (as in moss)
- Part of Speech: Adjective
Etymology:
- From Proto-Indo-European *ster- (stiff, rigid)
- No prefixes or suffixes in base form
- Root indicates firmness/solidity
D – Defining Meanings
- Solid
- Firm
- Steadfast
- Hard
- Immovable
For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple adjective
Translation Options:
- “Solid” – emphasizes physical quality
- “Firm” – suggests reliability
- “Steadfast” – captures spiritual application
E – Exploring Similar Words
- βέβαιος (bebaios) [beb-AH-yos] – firm, sure – See G949
- ἑδραῖος (hedraios) [hed-RAH-yos] – settled, steady – See G1476
- ἀσφαλής (asphalēs) [as-fal-ACE] – secure, certain – See G804
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
For this adjective:
- Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
- Declension: Second declension
Examples:
- Masculine nominative singular: στερεός (firm)
- Feminine accusative plural: στερεάς (firm ones)
- Neuter genitive singular: στερεοῦ (of firm)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual firmness. Thayer’s notes its architectural usage. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its metaphorical applications. Strong’s connects it to immovability. LEH traces Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan show technical construction usage.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First appearance:
2 Timothy 2:19: “Nevertheless the solid [στερεός] foundation of God stands, having this seal: ‘The Lord knows those who are His,’ and, ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’”
Additional References:
1 Peter 5:9, Hebrews 5:12, Hebrews 5:14
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Aristotle: Physics | “The solid [στερεός] bodies resist compression.” |
| Plato: Republic | “The foundations must be firm [στερεός] to support the structure.” |
| Xenophon: Memorabilia | “His arguments were solid [στερεός] and well-reasoned.” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
στερεός reminds us that genuine faith requires both firm foundation and mature development. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah provides an unshakeable foundation for our faith while calling us to grow into spiritual maturity. This word challenges us to build our lives on God’s truth and progress toward spiritual solidity.
D – Did You Know?
- Ancient architects used this term for load-bearing structures
- Early Christian catechisms used it to describe advanced teaching
- The word gives us the modern term “stereoscopic”
Strong’s G4731: An adjective meaning “solid, firm, steadfast.” In New Testament usage, it describes both physical solidity and spiritual stability, particularly in contexts of spiritual maturity and doctrinal foundation, emphasizing the need for firmness in faith and teaching.
Part of speech: Adjective
Tags: firmness, solidity, foundation, maturity, spiritual-growth, doctrine, steadfastness, faith, stability, Christian-maturity, spiritual-development, doctrinal-truth, foundations-of-faith, spiritual-food, Christian-education
