an assembly, the assembly, congregation, community, (the) church
an assembly, the assembly, congregation, community, (the) church. Primary meaning: an assembly, the assembly, congregation, community, (the) church. Strong's: a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both). Lexical nuances: prop., an assembly of citizens regularly convened (in Thuc., ii, 22, opp. to σύλλογος , a concourse ): Ac 19:32 , 39 , 41 . In LXX of the assembly, congregation, community of Israel (De 4:10 23:2, al.): Ac 7:38 , He 2:12 (LXX) . NT, esp. of an assembly or company of Christians, a (the) church ; of gatherings for worship: I Co 11:18 14:19 , 34 , 35 ; of local communities: Ac 8:3 , I Co 4:17 ; wi...
assembly, congregation, convocation
assembly, congregation, convocation. Assembly, summoned congregation of all Israel before God at Sinai ('day of the assembly', Deuteronomy 9:10); Greek ekklesia root.
a watcher, a superintendent, guardian, overseer, a bishop
a watcher, a superintendent, guardian, overseer, a bishop. Primary meaning: a watcher, a superintendent, guardian, overseer, a bishop. Strong's: a superintendent, i.e. Christian officer in genitive case charge of a (or the) church (literally or figuratively). Lexical nuances: a superintendent, guardian, overseer (cl.; for exx. v. LS, s.v.): Ac 20:28 , I Pe 2:25 ( ICC , in l.); as technical term for a religious office (Deiss., BS , 230 f.), in later Paul. epp. of the head of a church (Vg. episcopus ), a bishop : Phl 1:1 , I Ti 3:2 , Tit 1:7 (v. reff. s.v. ἐπισκοπή ).†
a bringing together, a gathering in, a collection
a bringing together, a gathering in, a collection. Primary meaning: a bringing together, a gathering in, a collection, a collecting, assembling. Strong's: an assemblage of persons; specially, a Jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a Christian church. Lexical nuances: prop., a bringing together ;
a visiting, visitation, office, charge, office of an
a visiting, visitation, office, charge, office of an. Primary meaning: a visiting, visitation, office, charge, office of an. Strong's: inspection (for relief); by implication, superintendence; specially, the Christian "episcopate". Lexical nuances: a visiting, visitation ( εἰς ἐ. τοῦ παιδός , Lucian, dial. deor., 20, 6); as in LXX (after Heb.), of God's visitation in mercy, or in judgment ( Le 19:20 Jb 10:12 , Je 6:15 , Wi 2:20 , al.): Lk 19:44 , I Pe 2:12 (v. Hort, in l.).
fellowship, communion, contribution
fellowship, communion, contribution. Primary meaning: fellowship, communion, contribution. Strong's: partnership, i.e. (literally) participation, or (social) intercourse, or (pecuniary) benefaction. Lexical nuances: fellowship , communion : Ac 2:42 , II Co 6:14 , Phl 1:5 ; τ. υἱοῦ , I Co 1:9 ; τ. αἵματος, σώματος Χρ. , I Co 10:16 ; παθημάτων αὐτσῦ , Phl 3:10 ; τ. πνεύματος , II Co 13:13 , Phl 2:1 ; δεξιὰς κοινωνίας , Ga 2:9 ; τ. πίστεώς σου , Phm 6 ; seq. μετὰ : τ. πατρός , I Jo 1:3 , 6 ; ἡμῶν, ἀλλήλων , ib. 3 , 7 .
thankfulness, gratitude, giving of thanks, thanksgiving
thankfulness, gratitude, giving of thanks, thanksgiving. Primary meaning: thankfulness, gratitude, giving of thanks, thanksgiving. Strong's: gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship). Lexical nuances: thankfulness, gratitude (Polyb.; Es, Si, II Mac, ll. c.): Ac 24:3 .
a sending away, discharge, dismissal
a sending away, discharge, dismissal. Primary meaning: a sending away, discharge, dismissal, a gift. Strong's: commission, i.e. (specially) apostolate. Lexical nuances: In cl., a sending away (MM, s.v.), as, an expedition (Hdt.).
to build a house, to build, the builders
to build a house, to build, the builders. Primary meaning: to build a house, to build, the builders, to build up. Strong's: to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or (figuratively) confirm. Lexical nuances: to build a house , to build : absol., Lk 11:48 14:30 17:28 ; οἱ οἰκοδομοῦντες , the builders (as Ps 117 (118):22 , הַבּוֹנִים ), Mt 21:42 , Mk 12:10 , Lk 20:17 , I Pe 2:7 (LXX) ; ἐπ’ ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰ. , proverb., Ro 15:20 ; c. acc. rei, Ga 2:18 ; πύργον , Mt 21:33 , Mk 12:1 , Lk 14:28 ; ἀποθήκας , Lk 12:18 ; ναόν , Mk 14:58 ; pass., Jo 2:20 ; οἰκία , Lk 6:48 ; c. acc. rei seq. dat. pers. (...
a fleet, an expedition, a messenger
a fleet, an expedition, a messenger. Primary meaning: a fleet, an expedition, a messenger, one sent on a mission. Strong's: a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers). Lexical nuances: a fleet , an expedition (Dem.).
a shepherd
a shepherd. Primary meaning: a shepherd. Strong's: a shepherd (literally or figuratively). Lexical nuances: a shepherd : Mt 9:36 25:32 26:31 (LXX) , Mk 6:34 14:27 , Lk 2:8 , 15 , 18 , 20 , Jo 10:2 , 12 . Metaph., of Christ; Jo 10:11 , 14 , 16 , He 13:20 , I Pe 2:25 ; of Christian pastors, Eph 4:11 (cf. Hom., Il. , i, 263, ποιμένα λαῶν ).†
a flock
a flock. Primary meaning: a flock. Strong's: a flock, i.e. (figuratively) group (of believers). Lexical nuances: a flock , prop., of sheep. Metaph., of Christians: Lk 12:32 , Ac 20:28 , 29 , I Pe 5:3 ; τ. θεοῦ , I Pe 5:2 .†
a sister
a sister. Primary meaning: a sister. Strong's: a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically). Lexical nuances: a sister : Mt 19:29 , al.; metaph. (MM, VGT , s.v.), of a member of the Christian community: Ro 16:1 , I Co 7:15 Ja 21:15 , al.
brotherhood, brotherly affection, the brotherhood
brotherhood, brotherly affection, the brotherhood. Primary meaning: brotherhood, brotherly affection, the brotherhood. Strong's: brotherhood (properly, the feeling of brotherliness), i.e. the (Christian) fraternity. Lexical nuances: abstract, brotherhood, brotherly affection (LXX). Concrete, the brotherhood , the Christian community: I Pe 2:17 5:9 (MM, VGT , s.v.).†
to be thankful, give thanks
to be thankful, give thanks. Primary meaning: to be thankful, give thanks. Strong's: to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal. Lexical nuances: to be thankful, give thanks (chiefly in late writers and Inscr.; cf. Milligan, Th. , 5; Ellic. on Col 1:12 ; Lft., Notes , 9): Ro 1:21 , I Co 14:17 , I Th 5:18 ; of giving thanks before meat, Mt 15:36 26:27 , Mk 8:6 14:23 , Lk 22:17 , 19 , Jo 6:11 , 23 , I Co 11:24 ; c. dat. pens., τ. θεῷ , Lk 17:16 , Ac 27:35 28:15 , Ro 14:6 16:4 , I Co 14:18 , Phl 1:3 , Col 1:3 , 12 , Phm 4 ; seq. διὰ Ἰ. Χρισ...
people, covenant nation, kin
people, covenant nation, kin. People, kinfolk, tribe; designates the covenant community of Israel ('My people', ammi), bound by covenant with Yahweh.
building, building up, edifying
building, building up, edifying. Primary meaning: building, building up, edifying, a building. Strong's: architecture, i.e. (concretely) a structure; figuratively, confirmation. Lexical nuances: the act of building ; in NT always metaph., building up , edifying : Ro 14:19 15:2 , I Co 14:26 , II Co 10:8 13:10 , Eph 4:29 ; c. gen. obj., I Co 14:12 , II Co 12:19 , Eph 4:12 , 16 ; λαλεῖν , λαβεῖν , οἰ. , I Co 14:3 .
the office and work of a
the office and work of a. Primary meaning: the office and work of a. Strong's: attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the Christian teacher, or technically of the diaconate). Lexical nuances: the office and work of a διάκονος , service, ministry ;
a flock
a flock. Primary meaning: a flock. Strong's: a flock (literally or figuratively). Lexical nuances: a flock , prop., of sheep: Mt 26:31 , Lk 2:8 , I Co 9:7 . Metaph., of Christ's followers, Jo 10:16 .†
a partner, associate, companion
a partner, associate, companion. Primary meaning: a partner, associate, companion, a partaker. Strong's: a sharer, i.e. associate. Lexical nuances: as adj., = κοινός .
the head
the head. Primary meaning: the head. Strong's: the head (as the part most readily taken hold of), literally or figuratively. Lexical nuances: the head : Mt 5:36 , Mk 6:24 , Re 1:14 9:7 , al. mult.; fig., ἄνθρακες ἐπὶ τὴν κ. , Ro 12:20 (LXX) ; αἷμα , Ac 18:6 ; metaph., of a husband, c. gen., I Co 11:3 , Eph 5:23 ; of Christ, I Co 11:3 , Eph 4:15 5:23 , Col 1:18 2:10 , 19 ; of things, κ. γωνίας , Mt 21:42 (LXX) .
to minister, serve, wait upon, to do one a service, care for one's needs, to serve as deacon
to minister, serve, wait upon, to do one a service, care for one's needs, to serve as deacon. Primary meaning: to minister, serve, wait upon, to do one a service, care for one's needs, to serve as deacon, to minister, supply, supply by ministration. Strong's: to be an attendant, i.e. wait upon (menially or as a host, friend, or (figuratively) teacher); technically, to act as a Christian deacon. Lexical nuances: generally, to minister, serve, wait upon , especially at table, to do one a service, care for one's needs : absol., Mt 20:28 , Mk 10:45 , Lk 10:40 22:26 , 27 , Jo 12:2 , I Pe 4:11 ; ὅσα διηκόνησεν , II Ti 1:18 ; c. dat. pers., Mt 4:11 8:15 25:44 27:55 , Mk 1:13 , 31 15:41 , Lk 4:39 8:3 12:37 17:8 , Jo 12:26 , Ac 6:2 19:22 , Ro 15:25 , Phm 13 , He 6:10 .
the people, a people
the people, a people. Primary meaning: the people, a people. Strong's: a people (in general; thus differing from G1218 (δῆμος), which denotes one's own populace). Lexical nuances: the people at large (Hom., al.), esp. of people assembled: Mt 27:25 , Lk 1:21 3:15 al.; pl. (Hom., al., π. ; v. MM, xvi), Ac 4:27 .
that which has been completed, complement, plenitude
that which has been completed, complement, plenitude. Primary meaning: that which has been completed, complement, plenitude, fullness. Strong's: repletion or completion, i.e. (subjectively) what fills (as contents, supplement, copiousness, multitude), or (objectively) what is filled (as container, performance, period). Lexical nuances: the result of the action involved in πληρόω (Lft., Col. , 255 ff.; AR, Eph. , 255 ff.), hence, in passive sense, that which has been completed , complement , plenitude , fullness (in Xen., Luc., Polyb., al., of a ship's crew or cargo, and by meton. of the ship itself): Jo 1:16 , Ro 11:12 , 25 15:29 , I Co 10:26 (LXX) , Eph 1:23 (AR, 42 ff.) 3:19 (AR. 87 ff.) 4:13 , Col 1:19 2:9 ; of time, Ga 4:...
the love of brothers, brotherly love
the love of brothers, brotherly love. Primary meaning: the love of brothers, brotherly love. Strong's: fraternal affection. Lexical nuances: the love of brothers, brotherly love : of Christians' mutual love as brethren (v.s. ἀδελφός ), Ro 12:10 , I Th 4:9 , He 13:1 , I Pe 1:22 , II Pe 1:7 .†
an old man, elder
an old man, elder. Primary meaning: an old man, elder. Strong's: older; as noun, a senior; specially, an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian "presbyter". Lexical nuances: an old man . Compar., πρεσβύτερος , -α , -ον , [in LXX chiefly for זָקֵן ;] of age, elder : ὁ νἱὸς ὁ π. , Lk 15:25 ; as subst., opp. to νεανίσκοι , Ac 2:17 ; to νεώτερος , I Ti 5:1 , 2 ; of the religious leaders of the past, Mt 15:2 , Mk 7:3 , 5 , He 11:2 (= οἱ πατέρες , He 1:1 ). Of dignity, rank or office (as found in π. and Inscr. of civil and religious offices, including priesthood, in Asia...
to act as shepherd, tend, to tend
to act as shepherd, tend, to tend. Primary meaning: to act as shepherd, tend, to tend, shepherd. Strong's: to tend as a shepherd of (figuratively, superviser). Lexical nuances: to act as shepherd , tend flocks: Lk 17:7 ; c. acc., ποίμνην , I Co 9:7 . Metaph., to tend , shepherd , govern : c. acc., Mt 2:6 (LXX) , Jo 21:16 , Ac 20:28 , I Pe 5:2 , Ju 12 , Re 2:27 7:17 12:5 19:15 .†
to dip, immerse, sink
to dip, immerse, sink. Primary meaning: to dip, immerse, sink, to overwhelm. Strong's: to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e. fully wet); used only (in the New Testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordinance of Christian baptism. Lexical nuances: to dip , immerse , sink ; generally (in Polyb., iii, 72, of soldiers wading breast-deep; in i, 51, of the sinking of ships); metaph., to overwhelm ( Is 21:4 ; cf. MM, Exp. , x); c. cogn. acc., βάπτισμα β. , Mk 10:38 , 39 , Lk 12:50 . Mid., to perform ablutions , wash oneself , bathe ( IV Ki 5:14 , Jth 12:7 , Si 31 (34):30 ): Mk 7:4 ; aor. pass, in same sense, Lk 11:38 . Of ablution, immersion, ...
dinner, supper
dinner, supper. Primary meaning: dinner, supper. Strong's: dinner, i.e. the chief meal (usually in the evening). Lexical nuances: the chief meal of the day, dinner, supper : Mt 23:6 , Mk 12:39 , Lk 14:17 , 24 20:46 , Jo 13:2 , 4 21:20 , I Co 11:21 ; δ. ποιεῖν , Mk 6:21 , Lk 14:12 , 16 , Jo 12:2 ; κυριακὸν (q.v.) δ. , I Co 11:20 ; metaph. (Dalman, Words , 118), δ. τ. γάμου τ. ἀρνίου , Re 19:9 ; δ. τ. μέγα τ. Θεοῦ , Re 19:17 .†
to gather or bring together, having sold off all, to be gathered
to gather or bring together, having sold off all, to be gathered. Primary meaning: to gather or bring together, having sold off all, to be gathered, come together. Strong's: to lead together, i.e. collect or convene; specially, to entertain (hospitably). Lexical nuances: to gather or bring together : of things, Jo 6:12, 13 ; seq. εἰς , Mt 3:12 , al.; ἐκεῖ , Lk 12:18 ; ποῦ , Lk 12:17 ; συναγαγὼν πάντα (sc. εἰς ἀργύριον ; v. Field, Notes , 68, MM, xxiv), having sold off all : Lk 15:13 ; of persons, Jo 11:52 ; esp. of assemblies, Mt 2:4 , Jo 11:47 , Ac 14:27 , al. Pass., to be gathered or come together : Mt 22:41 , Mk 2:2 , Lk 22:66 , al.; seq. ἐπί Mk 5:21 , Ac 4:...
a servant, attendant, minister, a deacon, bondman
a servant, attendant, minister, a deacon, bondman. Primary meaning: a servant, attendant, minister, a deacon, bondman, servant. Strong's: an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess). Lexical nuances: in general, a servant, attendant, minister : Mt 20:26 22:13 23:11 , Mk 9:35 10:43 , Jo 2:5 , 9 , I Co 3:5 , Ga 2:17 , Eph 6:21 , Col 4:7 ; δ. θεοῦ , Ro 13:4 , II Co 6:4 , I Th 3:2 ; δ. Χριστοῦ , II Co 11:23 , Col 1:7 , I Ti 4:6 ; cf. ὁ δ. ὁ ἐμός , Jo 12:26 ; δ. περιτομῆς , Ro 15:8 ; δ. καινῆς διαθήκης , II Co 3:6 ; δ. δικαιοσύνης , II Co 11:15 ; δ. [εὐαγγελίου] , Eph 3:7 , Col 1:23 ; δ. [ἐκκλησ...
a body, a person, a slave
a body, a person, a slave. Primary meaning: a body, a person, a slave. Strong's: the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. Lexical nuances: a body . Prop., of the human body, as always in Hom. (opp. to δέμας ), of the dead body: Mt 27:58 , 59 Mk 15:43 , al.; of the living body: Lk 11:34 , I Co 6:13 , al.; ἐν σ. εἶναι , He 13:3 ; as the instrument of the soul, τὰ διὰ τοῦ σ. , II Co 5:10 ; opp. to πνεῦμα , Ro 8:10 , I Co 5:3 7:4 , Ja 2:26 ; to ψυχή , Mt 6:25 10:28 , Lk 12:22 (cf. Wi 1:4 , al.); to τὸ π. καὶ ἡ ψ. , I Th 5:23 ; σ. ψυχι...
to make haste, to be zealous, eager, to give diligence
to make haste, to be zealous, eager, to give diligence. Primary meaning: to make haste, to be zealous, eager, to give diligence. Strong's: to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest. Lexical nuances: to make haste ; hence, to be zealous or eager, to give diligence : c. inf. (v. M, Pr. , 205 f.), Ga 2:10 , Eph 4:3 , I Th 2:17 , II Ti 2:15 4:9 , 21 , Tit 3:12 , He 4:11 , II Pe 1:10 3:14 ; c. acc. et inf. (on this construction v. Mayor in l.; MM, xxiii), II Pe 1:15 (for other constructions v. LS, s.v.).†
a brother
a brother. Primary meaning: a brother. Strong's: a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)). Lexical nuances: in cl., a brother , born of the same parent or parents. [In LXX (Hort, Ja. , 102 f.), for אָח ;] lit. of a brother ( Ge 4:2 , al.). Of a neighbour ( Le 19:17 ). Of a member of the same nation ( Ex 2:14 , De 15:3 ). In NT in each of these senses (1. Mt 1:2 , al.; 2. Mt 7:3 ; 3. Ro 9:3 ) and also, of a fellow-Christian: I Co 1:1 , Ac 9:30 . This usage finds illustration in π. , where ἀ. is used o...
haste, speed, zeal, diligence, earnestness
haste, speed, zeal, diligence, earnestness. Primary meaning: haste, speed, zeal, diligence, earnestness. Strong's: "speed", i.e. (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness. Lexical nuances: haste, speed : μετὰ σ. ( Wi 19:2 ), Mk 6:25 , Lk 1:39 .
Old Testament • 12 Chapters
Ecclesiastes (Old Testament, 12 chapters). Key figures: David , Jacob/Israel . Key places: Jerusalem . Opens with: "The words of the Preacher, the son of David , king in Jerusalem ...."