Stoicheîon — G4747

Definition

neuter noun

something orderly in arrangement, i.e. (by implication) a serial (basal, fundamental, initial) constituent (literally), proposition (figuratively)

1. the letters of the alphabet as the elements of speech, not however the written characters (which are called γράμματα), but the spoken sounds
2. the elements from which all things have come, the material causes of the universe (ἐστι δέ στοιχεῖον, ἐξ οὗ πρώτου γίνεται τά γινόμενα καί εἰς ὁ ἔσχατον ἀναλύεται... τό πῦρ, τό ὕδωρ, ὁ ἀήρ, ἡ γῆ
3. the heavenly bodies, either as parts of the heavens, or because in them the elements of man's life and destiny were supposed to reside
4. the elements, rudiments, primary and fundamental principles of any art, science, or discipline

Usually translated as

element, principle, rudiment

Origin

neuter of a presumed derivative of the base of G4748

• stoichéō (G4748)

Occurrences

Stoicheîon occurs 7 times in the King James.

Distribution of the word across the Bible: Galatians (2), Colossians (2), Hebrews (1), 2 Peter (2)

• Galatians 4:3 — Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements (στοιχεῖα) of the world:
• Galatians 4:9 — But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements (στοιχεῖα), whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
• Colossians 2:8 — Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments (στοιχεῖα) of the world, and not after Christ.
• Colossians 2:20 — Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments (στοιχείων) of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
• Hebrews 5:12 — For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles (στοιχεῖα) of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
• 2 Peter 3:10 — But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements (στοιχεῖα) shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
• 2 Peter 3:12 — Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements (στοιχεῖα) shall melt with fervent heat?