θεμελιόω
themelioō
to found
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe word "θεμελιόω" (themenlioō) is a Greek verb that means "to found." Based on its five occurrences in the Bible, it appears to convey the idea of establishing or creating a foundation for something. The range of usage for this word is quite narrow, and it is primarily used in the context of establishing a spiritual foundation. It is not used to describe physical foundations, but rather the underlying principles or beliefs that govern a person's actions or a community's values. This word suggests that the foundation or base is crucial to the structure that stands upon it. Just as a physical building requires a strong foundation to remain stable, a spiritual or moral structure also requires a solid foundation to stand firm.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
5 total occurrences across the text
The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.
Ephesians 3:17that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Colossians 1:23if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, was made a servant.
Hebrews 1:10And, “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands.
1 Peter 5:10But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.