Lexical Summary óneomai: To buy, purchase Original Word: ὀνέομαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance buy. Middle voice from an apparently primary onos (a sum or price); to purchase (synonymous with the earlier pimpremi) -- buy. see GREEK pimpremi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a prim. word ónos (a price) Definition to buy NASB Translation purchased (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5608: ὠνέομαιὠνέομαι, ὠνοῦμαι: 1 aorist ὠνησμην (which form, as well as ἐωνησαμην, belongs to later Greek, for which the earlier writings used ἐπριάμην; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 137ff; (Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 210ff; Veitch, under the word); Winers Grammar, § 12, 2; § 16, under the word); from Herodotus down; to buy: with a genitive of the price, Acts 7:16. Topical Lexicon Concept OverviewThe single New Testament use of Strong’s Greek 5608 occurs in Acts 7:16 and conveys the notion of acquiring something by purchase. The verb highlights a deliberate act of ownership transfer and underscores a covenantal reality lying beneath the historical detail. Biblical Occurrence Acts 7:16: “They were carried to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a price in silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.” This lone appearance surfaces in Stephen’s defense before the Sanhedrin. By recounting Abraham’s purchase, Stephen rehearses God’s unfolding plan from patriarchal times through Israel’s history to the coming of Messiah. Historical Background: Abraham, Jacob, and Shechem Genesis relates two key land purchases by the patriarchs: • Abraham’s cave at Machpelah near Hebron (Genesis 23:16). Stephen blends these strands to stress legitimate inheritance in Canaan. The transaction at Shechem—represented by 5608—occurred with “the sons of Hamor,” establishing an uncontested legal foothold in the promised land long before the conquest. The deed of ownership, paid in silver, demonstrated faith that God would indeed give the land to Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 17:8). Theological Significance of Purchasing 1. Pledge of Promise The burial plot served as a perpetual token of the future possession of Canaan. Even in death, the patriarchs rested in ground lawfully theirs, forecasting Israel’s eventual settlement. 2. Integrity and Witness The recorded payment exemplifies righteous dealings with foreigners. A people called to be a blessing (Genesis 12:3) modeled fairness and transparency, echoing divine justice. 3. Foreshadowing Redemption While different vocabulary is used for the redemptive work of Christ (e.g., agorazō in 1 Corinthians 6:20), the concept of purchase prepares readers for New Covenant language: God secures what He loves at a definite cost, whether land, people, or eternal inheritance. Consistency within Scripture Stephen’s compressed retelling may merge elements of Abraham’s Machpelah purchase with Jacob’s Shechem acquisition. Rather than error, the speech functions sermonicly, spotlighting God’s unbroken purpose. Scripture elsewhere follows similar summarizing techniques (compare Matthew 27:9–10). Harmonization recognizes: • Abraham’s family retained title to both plots. Practical Ministry Applications • Stewardship: Believers, like Abraham, invest resources with an eye to God’s enduring promises rather than immediate return. Related Old Testament Parallels Genesis 23:16 – Abraham’s payment to Ephron. Genesis 33:19 – Jacob’s payment to the sons of Hamor. Joshua 24:32 – Joseph’s bones buried at Shechem, linking exodus deliverance to patriarchal purchase. Christological Reflection The word group surrounding “purchase” ultimately points to the greater transaction accomplished at Calvary. Just as Abraham secured soil for his family’s future, Christ “obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12) for His people, guaranteeing their inheritance “kept in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4). Summary Though Strong’s Greek 5608 appears only once, it anchors a rich tapestry: covenant faithfulness, ethical witness, and redemptive anticipation. The silver exchanged at Shechem whispers of a greater price yet to be paid and of a greater possession yet to be unveiled—the everlasting kingdom promised to all who, like Abraham, believe. Forms and Transliterations ωνησατο ωνήσατο ὠνήσατο onesato onḗsato ōnēsato ōnḗsatoLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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