Lexical Summary teichos: Wall Original Word: τείχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wall. Akin to the base of tikto; a wall (as formative of a house) -- wall. see GREEK tikto NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a wall NASB Translation wall (8), walls (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5038: τεῖχοςτεῖχος, τείχους, τό (cf. θιγγάνω; allied with it are English 'dike' and 'ditch'), from Homer down, the Sept. very frequent for חומָה, 'wall'; the wall round a city, town-wall: Acts 9:25; 2 Corinthians 11:33; Hebrews 11:30; Revelation 21:12, 14f, 17-19. Topical Lexicon Structural and Cultural BackgroundIn the Greco-Roman world a city’s τείχος was its most visible declaration of strength, sovereignty, and identity. Massive stone ramparts encircated urban centers, protecting inhabitants from military assault, regulating commerce through gated access, and symbolizing the autonomy of the polis. First-century audiences instinctively associated a city wall with security, separation from chaos, and the honor of the community it enclosed. Because these walls were normally taller than surrounding buildings, they also furnished vantage points for watchmen and signaling, making them a natural stage for divine intervention or apostolic escape. Occurrences in the New Testament Record 1. Hebrews 11:30 – “By faith the walls of Jericho fell, after the people had marched around them for seven days.” 4–9. Six references in Revelation 21:12-19 to the wall of the New Jerusalem. Walls as Instruments of Divine Intervention Hebrews 11:30 recalls the collapse of Jericho’s fortifications, highlighting that even the mightiest human defenses crumble before obedient faith. The writer evokes Joshua 6 to remind believers that God’s power easily overcomes what appears impregnable. In ministry and personal discipleship the lesson endures: apparent barriers—cultural, ideological, or spiritual—yield when confronted by persistent reliance on the Lord. Apostolic Ministry and Missionary Risk Luke’s narrative in Acts 9:25 and Paul’s autobiographical detail in 2 Corinthians 11:33 describe the same event from complementary angles. Damascus possessed a double wall with built-in apartments; such structures gave Paul’s friends the opportunity to bypass the city gate and spirit him away from hostile authorities. The incident underscores two truths: (1) God uses ordinary architectural features to preserve His servants, and (2) gospel work often demands unconventional courage. Early believers regarded rescue as divine provision rather than coincidence, reinforcing confidence for future trials. Eschatological Vision of the New Jerusalem In Revelation 21 the τείχος frames John’s panoramic description of the consummated kingdom. The wall is “great, high” (21:12), jeweled (21:18-19), and precisely measured (21:17), testifying to God’s order, beauty, and permanence. It possesses twelve gates (21:12), integrating Israel’s tribes, and twelve foundation stones (21:14), honoring the apostles—one people of God, fully secure. Unlike earthly fortifications, this wall keeps nothing out that belongs within (21:25) yet eternally excludes all that defiles (21:27). Thus it is both invitation and safeguard, illustrating perfected holiness and fellowship. Theological Implications Protection: Scripture never portrays walls as ultimate safety; only God is. Yet He graciously employs tangible means—whether Jericho’s demise or Zion’s adornment—to illustrate His protective character. Separation and Inclusion: Walls separate, but in Revelation separation serves holiness, not hostility. The New Jerusalem’s gates stay open because redemption has resolved the threat of evil. Measurement and Assurance: The angel’s golden reed (21:15) conveys precision; believers can be certain that their eternal dwelling is neither haphazard nor fragile. Christological Fulfillment: The wall’s foundation inscriptions (21:14) unite prophetic Israel and apostolic church in Christ, who Himself is called “the cornerstone.” Every stone and jewel reflects His glory. Practical Applications for Contemporary Ministry 1. Spiritual Fortitude – Believers build their lives on divine promises rather than human fortifications, yet prudence in stewardship is not opposed to faith. Old Testament Foreshadowing Nehemiah’s rebuilding project, the psalms’ frequent depiction of Jerusalem’s ramparts (for example, Psalm 48:13), and Isaiah’s prophecy of “walls called Salvation” (Isaiah 60:18) prepare the reader for the climactic reality revealed to John. The motif traces a trajectory from physical defense to eschatological perfection, culminating in a city where the Lord Himself is the temple and the wall shimmers with His radiance. Summary Strong’s Greek 5038 gathers nine New Testament occurrences into a unified testimony: God topples hostile barriers, rescues His servants through ordinary walls, and ultimately constructs an eternal wall that dazzles with His faithfulness. Each reference invites the believer to exchange fear for faith, ingenuity for stagnation, and temporal insecurity for everlasting hope. Forms and Transliterations τειέχων τείχει τείχεσιν τειχέων τειχη τείχη τειχος τείχος τείχός τεῖχος τειχους τείχους τείχω τειχών teiche teichē teíche teíchē teichos teîchos teichous teíchousLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 9:25 N-GNSGRK: διὰ τοῦ τείχους καθῆκαν αὐτὸν NAS: through [an opening in] the wall, lowering KJV: by the wall in INT: through the wall let down him 2 Corinthians 11:33 N-GNS Hebrews 11:30 N-NNP Revelation 21:12 N-ANS Revelation 21:14 N-NNS Revelation 21:15 N-ANS Revelation 21:17 N-ANS Revelation 21:18 N-GNS Revelation 21:19 N-GNS Strong's Greek 5038 |
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