στῦλος
stŷlos
G4769 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A vertical column or upright support; in literal contexts, a structural pillar or post used in architecture or monumental structures; in figurative usage, a person of central importance, reliability, or authority who supports or upholds a group or institution.
Semantic Range
pillar, column, architectural post, steadfast or prominent supporter (person), mainstay, upholder, leader or prominent member (figurative)
Root / Etymology
Derived from a root related to στύφειν ('to stiffen') and ultimately akin to ἵστημι ('to stand, make to stand'). The term στῦλος likely develops from the sense of something that stands upright, i.e., a pillar.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, στῦλος primarily denotes a physical pillar or column, an architectural element found in buildings and temples (see e.g., Herodotus, Xenophon). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, the literal meaning continues, but the term also acquires figurative uses. In the New Testament (Galatians 2:9; Revelation 3:12), στῦλος is used metaphorically for individuals who are regarded as foundational supporters or prominent contributors within the early assemblies. In Revelation, becoming a 'pillar' in the temple of God further extends the figurative sense to depict permanence and honored status, drawing on the permanence and strength associated with physical pillars. The Septuagint uses στῦλος to translate terms for both architectural columns and for prominent structural supports, occasionally for objects set up as memorials or markers. While English 'pillar' generally captures the literal sense, the figurative meanings can include 'mainstay,' 'support,' or 'leader.' The term is distinct from related words like κίων (another word for column) or τεῖχος ('wall'), which lack the frequent figurative extension to persons.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (to stiffen; properly akin to the base of ἵστημι); a post ("style"), i.e. (figuratively) support:--pillar.
Root Family
στῦλος (stŷlos) — pillar, upright support, supporting column, mainstay
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4769-01 |
στῦλοι | stuloi | N NOM M PL |
pillars | pillars | pillars | 2 |
G4769-03 |
στῦλος | stulos | N NOM M SG |
pillar | upright pillar | pillar | 1 |
G4769-02 |
στῦλον | stulon | N ACC M SG |
a pillar | a pillar | a pillar | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4769-01 |
Galatians 2:9 | στῦλοι | stuloi | N NOM M PL |
pillars | pillars | pillars |
G4769-03 |
1 Timothy 3:15 | στῦλος | stulos | N NOM M SG |
pillar | upright pillar | pillar |
G4769-02 |
Revelation 3:12 | στῦλον | stulon | N ACC M SG |
a pillar | a pillar | a pillar |
G4769-01 |
Revelation 10:1 | στῦλοι | stuloi | N NOM M PL |
pillars | pillars | pillars |