The Bible uses the word foundation many times. That’s why I wanted to look at what does the word foundation mean in Hebrew and Greek. But first, let’s look at the definition found in the 1828 Noah Webster’s Dictionary:
“1. The basis of an edifice; that part of a building which lies on the ground; usually a wall of stone which supports the edifice.
2. The act of fixing the basis.
3. The basis or ground work, or any thing; that on which any thing stands, and by which it is supported. A free government has its foundation in the choice and consent of the people to be governed. Christ is the foundation of the church.”
Read the rest of the definition here.
“He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was [a]manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.”
– 1 Peter 1:20-21
All scriptures are taken from NKJV unless otherwise marked.
What Does The Word ‘Foundation’ Mean In Hebrew?
yacad- settle, establish a foundation.
yecowd- foundation.
yecuwdah – foundation.
muwcad- foundation.
maccad- foundation.
What Does The Word ‘Foundation’ Mean In Greek?
themelios- substruction; something put down.
As a adjective, this word means “belonging to a foundation”. It’s used as a noun in Luke 6:48.
“By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”
– Hebrews 11:9-10
Also, it’s used in the following scriptures metaphorically of the ministry of the gospel and the doctrines of the faith:
- Romans 15:20
- 1 Corinthians 3:10
- Ephesians 2:20
“ Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
– Ephesians 2:19-22
According to the above scripture, Jesus Christ is the foundation in which those who are saved are built upon.
themelioo- to erect; to consolidate.
katabole- conception, beginning.
This word is used in the following ways:
- conceiving seed (Hebrew 11:11
- foundation in which is laid down
- the foundation of the world (Matthew 13:35; Luke 11:50: Hebrew 4:3; Revelation 13:8)
- before the foundation of the word (John 17:24; Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20)
Conclusion
There are many times the word foundation is used in the bible. However, I think the most important one is the fact that Jesus Christ is our foundation. Everything in our life should be built upon Him.
That’s what the word foundation means in Hebrew and Greek.
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