Strong's Greek: 3279 -- (Not Used)

Lexicon

(Not Used): (Not Used)

(Not Used)
Part of Speech:
Transliteration: (Not Used)
(Not Used)Definition: (Not Used)
Meaning: Not Used

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From μέσος (mesos, meaning "middle" or "in the midst") and τοῖχος (toichos, meaning "wall").

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H7023: קִיר (qir) • wall
• H2346: חוֹמָה (chomah) • wall, often used in the context of a city wall or a barrier

These Hebrew terms similarly denote physical walls or barriers, which can also carry metaphorical implications of separation or division in various Old Testament contexts.

Usage: The term μεσότοιχον is used metaphorically in the New Testament to describe a barrier or division, particularly in the context of spiritual or relational separation.

Context: The Greek term μεσότοιχον appears in the New Testament in Ephesians 2:14, where the Apostle Paul uses it to describe the spiritual barrier that once existed between Jews and Gentiles. In this passage, Paul speaks of Christ as the one who has broken down the "dividing wall of hostility" (BSB), referring to the ceremonial laws and ordinances that separated the Jewish people from the Gentiles. This metaphorical use of μεσότοιχον highlights the reconciliation and unity brought about through the work of Christ, who has made both groups one by abolishing the enmity in His flesh.

The imagery of a dividing wall would have been particularly vivid to Paul's audience, as it likely alludes to the physical barrier in the Jerusalem Temple that separated the Court of the Gentiles from the inner courts accessible only to Jews. By using this term, Paul emphasizes the profound spiritual truth that in Christ, all believers, regardless of ethnic or cultural background, are united into one body, the Church.

This concept of breaking down barriers is central to the message of the Gospel, which proclaims peace and reconciliation not only between humanity and God but also among individuals and groups who were once divided. The removal of the μεσότοιχον signifies the new covenant reality where all believers have equal access to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts