Lexical Summary hedraios: steadfast, firm, immovable Original Word: ἑδραῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance settled, steadfast. From a derivative of hezomai (to sit); sedentary, i.e. (by implication) immovable -- settled, stedfast. HELPS Word-studies 1476 hedraíos (an adjective, derived from aphedrōn, "a seat or base") – properly, sit (solidly-based, well-seated); (figuratlively) steadfast (firm), morally fixed; firm in purpose (mind); "well-stationed" (securely positioned), not given to fluctuation or "moving off course." NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hedra (a seat) Definition sitting, steadfast NASB Translation firm (1), steadfast (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1476: ἑδραῖοςἑδραῖος (rarely feminine ἑδραια (Winer's Grammar, § 11, 1)), ἑδραιον (ἕδρα, seat, chair); 1. sitting, sedentary, (Xenophon, Plato, others). 2. firm, immovable, steadfast, (Euripides, Plato, others); in the N. T. metaphorically, of those who are fixed in purpose: 1 Corinthians 15:58; Colossians 1:23; ἕστηκεν ἐν τῇ καρδία, 1 Corinthians 7:37. The adjective pictures something firmly seated, settled, and therefore unshakable. It describes a stability that resists displacement whether by pressure, temptation, or opposition. Usage in Pauline Epistles Appearing only three times, always in Paul, the word serves three related purposes: to fortify a congregation in gospel labor (1 Corinthians 15:58), to exhort believers to persevere in faith’s foundation (Colossians 1:23), and to commend a believer who has reached an unpressured, resolved decision of conscience (1 Corinthians 7:37). Steadfastness and the Resurrection Hope (1 Corinthians 15:58) “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain”. The certainty of bodily resurrection renders Christian service meaningful and endurance reasonable. Steadfastness here is fueled by eschatological confidence: because God will raise the dead, present toil cannot be wasted. Steadfastness and Perseverance in the Faith (Colossians 1:23) “if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard”. Stability is portrayed as proof of genuine reconciliation (Colossians 1:22). The word stands alongside metaphors of foundation and rooting, teaching that perseverance is both commanded and enabled by Christ, the believer’s ground. Steadfastness and Personal Conviction (1 Corinthians 7:37) “But the man who is firmly resolved in his heart, and under no constraint but has control over his will … he will do well”. Steadfastness here is the settled resolve of a conscience informed by Scripture, free from external coercion. The term protects liberty while discouraging impulsive, poorly grounded decisions. Theological Significance 1. Assurance: Stability testifies to the faithfulness of God who “will also strengthen and protect you” (2 Thessalonians 3:3). Pastoral and Discipleship Applications • Ground believers doctrinally before crises arrive. Historical Witness From early martyrs to Reformation confessors and modern persecuted saints, hedraios describes the church’s refusal to abandon the gospel under threat. Stability has often been the Spirit’s means of authenticating truth before a watching world. Contemporary Relevance Cultural volatility, moral relativism, and doctrinal drift amplify the need for believers and congregations to be “steadfast, immovable.” A hedraios church—well-taught, prayer-sustained, accountably led—serves as a lighthouse to societies adrift. Individual Christians, standing firm through suffering and ethical complexity, display the unchanging gospel’s power and anticipate the day when the Lord Himself “will establish you and guard you” forever. Englishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 7:37 Adj-NMSGRK: καρδίᾳ αὐτοῦ ἑδραῖος μὴ ἔχων NAS: stands firm in his heart, KJV: that standeth stedfast in INT: heart of him firm not having 1 Corinthians 15:58 Adj-NMP Colossians 1:23 Adj-NMP Strong's Greek 1476 |
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