Lexical Summary toichos: Wall Original Word: τοῖχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wall. Another form of teichos; a wall -- wall. see GREEK teichos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originalt. form of teichos Definition a wall NASB Translation wall (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5109: τοῖχοςτοῖχος, τοίχου, ὁ, from Homer down, the Sept. often for קִיר, a wall (especially of a house; cf. τεῖχος): Acts 23:3. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Immediate Context Acts 23:3 records the single New Testament use of τοῖχος. Facing Ananias in the Sanhedrin, Paul declares, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall!” (Berean Standard Bible). The address exposes hypocrisy: a leader sworn to uphold the Law orders Paul struck contrary to the Law (Deuteronomy 25:1–2). Paul’s rebuke echoes Ezekiel 13:10–12, where false prophets are likened to walls smeared with whitewash—appearing sound yet ready to fall under divine judgment. Old Testament Background 1. Literal fortifications: walls mark city strength (Nehemiah 2:17), covenant security (Isaiah 26:1) and divine protection (Zechariah 2:5). Related New Testament Imagery Although τοῖχος itself appears only in Acts 23:3, the compound μεσότοιχον in Ephesians 2:14 broadens the theme: “He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility.” Christ dismantles the legal-ceremonial barrier separating Jew and Gentile, fulfilling Isaiah 26:1 and Zechariah 2:5 in a greater, spiritual sense. Historical Insight First-century Jerusalem’s Sanhedrin met in the Chamber of Hewn Stone adjoining the Temple courts. Its thick masonry symbolized religious authority. Paul’s “whitewashed wall” thrust pierces that symbolism, asserting that mere institutional structure without integrity cannot withstand divine scrutiny. Doctrinal and Ministry Significance 1. Hypocrisy exposed: external religious polish cannot mask lawlessness. Practical Application • Examine personal “whitewash”: are we cultivating appearance over obedience? Key Cross-References Ezekiel 13:10-12; Isaiah 26:1; Zechariah 2:5; Ephesians 2:14; 1 Peter 4:17; Revelation 21:12–14. Forms and Transliterations τοιχε τοίχε τοῖχε τοίχοι τοίχοις τοίχον τοίχος τοίχου τοίχους τοίχω τοίχων τοκετού toiche toîcheLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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