Elements, elementary (4747) stoicheion

Elements (4747) (stoicheion from stoicheo = march in rank from stoíchos = row) describes something orderly in arrangement as for example one of a row and hence a component or element. In most of its uses, it denotes an elementary or fundamental principle in a subject or discipline. It refers to the first principles of something. Stoicheion (“elements”) refers to the basic building blocks of matter, such as atomic and subatomic particles. A stoicheion was originally a line of things as for example a line of soldiers, but came to refer to the ABC's, and then to any elementary knowledge. Stoicheion also refers to any first thing from which the others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise. In other words, stoicheion refers to the basic components of something, the basic unit of which a series is composed. It can refer to the things that constitute the foundation of learning, i.e., the fundamental principles. For example, in grammar, stoicheion would be the ABCs. In speech, stoicheion would be the basic sounds. In geometry stoicheion would be the axioms. In mathematics it would be a basic unit such as a point or a line. In language theory stoicheion would be the individual constituent parts of a syllable or word, its “smallest constituent parts,” while in music it would be the individual tone. In the NT, stoicheion is used as a religious technical term describing the elementary doctrines, the fundamental teachings or the basic principles of the religion, whether it be Judaism, asceticism, paganism, etc (see below). In some instances stoicheion represents the supernatural powers or forces regarded as having control over the events of this world. Some commentators apply this meaning to the interpretation of the passages in Colossians 2 and Galatians 4 (see below). Thayer writes that stoicheion is derived... from stoichos = a row, rank, series; hence, properly, that which belongs to any stoichos, that of which a stoichos is composed; hence "any first thing, from which the others belonging to some series or composite whole take their rise; an element, first principle"... the elements, rudiments, primary and fundamental principles of any art, science, or discipline; e. g. of mathematics" The kindred verb stoicheo, to walk, carries the idea of keeping in line, to keep in step, to walk orderly and then to conform to virtue and piety. (cf "keep in step [stoicheo] with the Spirit" Gal 5:25-note). Stoicheion is always plural and means the basic parts, the rudiments, or the components of something. Among the ancient Greek philosophers, stoicheion designated the basic and essential elements of the universe, including the four elements of the world -- earth, water, air, and fire. In other words, stoicheion refers to basic elements from which everything in the world is made and of which it is composed. Peter's use in 2Pe 3:10, 12 conveys this specific meaning. Later stoicheion was also used to refer to the planets (heavenly bodies) and the signs of the zodiac ("the 12 stoicheia of the heavens "). Stoicheion - 7 times in 7 verses in the NAS (Gal 4:3, 9; Col 2:8, 20; 12" class="scriptRef">Heb 5:12; 2 Pet 3:10, 12) and is translated: elemental things, 2; elementary, 1; elementary principles, 2; elements, 2; principles, 1. Stoicheion is used as a reference to the basic elements or rituals of human religion in Galatians 4:3, 9, Paul writing... Gal 4:3: So also we, while we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental things of the world. (Comment: Here stoicheion refers to the elemental practices of Judaism) Gal 4:9: But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? (Comment: Among the weak and worthless elemental things to which some of the Galatians were returning was the ritualistic observance of days and months and seasons and years) In Colossians Paul uses stoicheion in his warning to the saints to Colossians 2:8 See to it (present imperative) that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles (stoicheion) of the world, rather than according to Christ. (see note Colossians 2:8) (Comment: In this context the "elementary principles" probably refers to various Jewish rituals, ceremonies, and ordinances by which men hoped to obtain God’s favor) Colossians 2:20 If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" (see note Colossians 2:20-23) (Comment: Paul is saying that if the Colossian saints adopt the practices of asceticism [practice of strict self-denial as a spiritual discipline] they are practicing a worldly system of religion, based on elementary principles) The writer of Hebrews chides his readers declaring that... by this time you ought (a strong word which conveys the sense that this is your duty or obligation) to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles (stoicheion) of the oracles of God (a striking synonym for the Scriptures), and you have come to need milk and not solid food. (see note Hebrews 5:12) (Comment: In this context stoicheion refers to the first or basic principles of Christian doctrine, the "ABC's" so to speak. It denotes what an initiate or observer encounters first.) Here is Vine's summary of stoicheion... a, the substance of the material world, 2Peter 3:10, 12 b, the elementary principles of religion, whether Jewish, here, or Gentile, Colossians 2:8, 20, or both, Gal 4:3, 9 c, the elementary principles (the “ABC”) of the Old Testament as a revelation from God, Hebrews 5:12-note (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson ) Will melt (5080) (teko) means literally that the elements are continually (present tense) being (passive voice) liquefied, and in context the present tense is used with a view to future tense fulfillment. The present tense depicts the coming event as a vivid reality (cf Isa 34:4 where the Greek Septuagint translation of the Hebrew uses teko). Teko does not imply the annihilation of matter but rather suggests an alteration of its form. Intense heat (2741) (kausoo) means literally being (passive voice) continually (present tense) set on fire with fervent heat. It was a medical term describing a patient burning with fever. 2 Peter 3:13 But according to His promise we are looking for (1PPAI) new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells (3SFPI) (NASB: Lockman) Greek: kainous de ouranous kai gen kainen kata to epaggelma autou prosdokomen, (1PPAI) en ois dikaiosune katoikei. (3SFPI) Amplified: But we look for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise, in which righteousness (uprightness, freedom from sin, and right standing with God) is to abide. (Amplified Bible - Lockman) NET: But, according to his promise, we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness truly resides. (NET Bible) NLT: But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world where everyone is right with God. (NLT - Tyndale House) Phillips: but our hopes are set not on these but on the new Heaven and the new earth which he has promised us, and in which nothing but good shall live. (Phillips: Touchstone) Wuest: But heavens new in quality and an earth new in quality according to His promise we are looking for, in which righteousness is permanently at home. (Eerdmans) Young's Literal: and for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise we do wait, in which righteousness doth dwell; BUT ACCORDING TO HIS PROMISE WE ARE LOOKING FOR: kata to epaggelma autou prosdokomen (1PPAI): (Isa 65:17; 66:22; Ro 8:20, 21, Rev 21:1, 27) Note the literal rendering emphasizes the New Heavens and New Earth... and for new heavens and a new earth according to His promise we do wait, in which righteousness doth dwell

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Elements, elementary (4747) stoicheion

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