← G1475 G1477 →

ἑδραῖος

hedraîos

G1476 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Firmly seated, stable or fixed in place; by extension, steadfast or unwavering in conviction, commitment, or position. Primary sense is of being firmly established or rooted, both in a physical and metaphorical sense. In figurative contexts, refers to steadfastness, reliability, or constancy.

Semantic Range

firmly seated, stationary, settled, stable, immovable, steadfast, unwavering, constant, reliable

Root / Etymology

From the noun ἕδρα (hedra, 'seat, base') with the adjectival suffix -αῖος, indicating 'having the nature of' or 'belonging to a seat or base.' Thus, literally 'having a seat,' and metaphorically 'settled or firm.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἑδραῖος in classical Greek described something that is firmly placed, set, or established, especially physically—such as a solid foundation or a seat that does not move. By the Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term expands to include metaphorical applications: a person described as ἑδραῖος is unwavering or constant, particularly in attitude or belief. In the New Testament (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:58, Colossians 1:23), it bears this figurative meaning—'steadfast, unwavering.' English translations such as 'steadfast,' 'immovable,' or 'firm' capture aspects of the term, but may not always distinguish the rooted, settled sense from mere perseverance. Not found widely in the Septuagint, but in extra-biblical Koine literature, ἑδραῖος is associated with stability, constancy, and unchanging character.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of (to sit); sedentary, i.e. (by implication) immovable:--settled, stedfast.

Root Family

ἑδραῖος (hedraios) — firmly seated, established, stable, steadfast, immovable

Root ἑδρ- to seat, to set, to establish

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1476-01 ἑδραῖοι edraioi ADJ.S NOM M PL steadfast firmly established ones firmly established ones 2
G1476-02 ἑδραῖος edraios ADJ.S NOM M SG steadfast firmly established one steadfast 1

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1476-02 1 Corinthians 7:37 ἑδραῖος edraios ADJ.S NOM M SG steadfast firmly established one steadfast
G1476-01 1 Corinthians 15:58 ἑδραῖοι edraioi ADJ.S NOM M PL steadfast firmly established ones firmly established ones
G1476-01 Colossians 1:23 ἑδραῖοι edraioi ADJ.S NOM M PL steadfast firmly established ones steadfast
← G1475 Greek Lexicon G1477 →