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στερεός

stereós

G4731 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Firm in substance, stable in position, or steadfast in disposition. The adjective denotes physical solidity or firmness (of a material object), figurative moral strength or firmness of character, or stability and reliability in various contexts. In moral or intellectual application, it may signify unwavering commitment or certainty.

Semantic Range

solid (of material substance), firm or hard (physical sense), stable (of position or structure), steadfast or unwavering (of character or mind), reliable or sure (figurative), mature (of teaching or understanding)

Root / Etymology

From the root στερε- relating to firmness or solidity, connected to the verb ἵστημι ('to stand'), though some ancient sources see στερεός as distinct in origin. The adjective is productive in Greek, giving rise to derivatives such as στερεότης (firmness, steadfastness).

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, στερεός primarily referred to that which is hard, solid, or firm in a physical sense, used in descriptions of land, materials, or even bodily states. Metaphorically, it extended to mental or moral steadfastness. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the term often shifts toward ethical or metaphorical firmness—e.g., moral resoluteness or stability of faith or disposition (Hebrews 5:12,14, where it refers to 'solid food' in contrast to milk, indicating mature teaching). The term does not specifically encode religious or cultural identity and is not theologically colored in primary usage. English translations may render it as 'solid,' 'firm,' 'steadfast,' or 'strong,' but these sometimes fail to distinguish between its physical, moral, or cognitive senses. The semantic distinction from related terms such as ἰσχυρός ('strong, mighty') is that στερεός focuses more on stability and firmness rather than mere power.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἵστημι; stiff, i.e. solid, stable (literally or figuratively):--stedfast, strong, sure.

Root Family

στερεός (stereos) — firm, solid, stable, steadfast

Root στερε- to make firm, to make solid, to render stable

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4731-03 στερεοὶ stereoi ADJ.S NOM M PL firm firm ones firm 1
G4731-01 στερεὰ sterea ADJ.A NOM F SG solid firm firm 1
G4731-04 στερεὸς stereos ADJ.A NOM M SG firm firm firm 1
G4731-02 στερεᾶς stereas ADJ.A GEN F SG solid of firm solid 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4731-04 2 Timothy 2:19 στερεὸς stereos ADJ.A NOM M SG firm firm firm
G4731-02 Hebrews 5:12 στερεᾶς stereas ADJ.A GEN F SG solid of firm solid
G4731-01 Hebrews 5:14 στερεὰ sterea ADJ.A NOM F SG solid firm firm
G4731-03 1 Peter 5:9 στερεοὶ stereoi ADJ.S NOM M PL firm firm ones firm
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