γωνία (gōnia)
gōnia
corner
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun gōnia simply means a corner or angle, referring to the point where two lines or surfaces meet. In the New Testament, it appears in nine verses, often describing physical locations or using spatial imagery to convey theological ideas.
It is used literally for a secret place where one might pray privately, as Jesus instructs in Matthew 6:5, and for the corners of the earth in Revelation 7:1 and 20:8. The word also carries significant metaphorical weight when applied to Jesus Christ. In passages like Matthew 21:42 and Acts 4:11, He is called the "cornerstone," a translation of the phrase kephalē gōnias. This imagery draws from Psalm 118:22, suggesting that Christ is the essential capstone or foundational angle that holds the structure together.
The term’s force lies in its concreteness. It does not describe an abstract concept but a specific structural point. Whether referring to the four corners of the earth or the head of the corner, the word anchors spiritual truths in physical reality, emphasizing stability and definition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gōnia refers to a corner or angle where two lines meet. In everyday life, corners mark boundaries and define spaces. Jesus used this concrete image to teach about private prayer in Matthew 6:5, pointing out that hypocrites pray in public corners to be seen. This reminds us that true connection with God happens in quiet, honest moments, not for show.
More importantly, the New Testament calls Jesus the "head of the corner" (kephalē gōnias) in passages like Acts 4:11 and Matthew 21:42. This means He is the essential stone that holds a building together. Without Him, the structure lacks stability. For believers, this offers deep assurance. Just as a cornerstone defines and supports a house, Christ defines and sustains our faith.
This imagery anchors spiritual truths in physical reality. It shows that God’s plan is not abstract but solid and reliable. Whether we are navigating life’s edges or seeking foundation, Jesus provides the stability we need. His presence turns scattered stones into a coherent whole, offering peace to those who trust in Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- corners3×
- of [the] corner’?1×
- of [the] corner;1×
- of [the] corner.’1×
- of [the] corner1×
- corner.1×
- a corner1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γωνίας.2×
- γωνίας2×
- γωνίαις2×
- γωνίᾳ1×
- γωνίας·1×
- γωνίας;1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 6:5
“When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.
Jesus uses "corners of the streets" to contrast public performance with genuine, private prayer.
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Acts 4:11
He is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’
Peter identifies Jesus as the rejected stone that became the head of the corner, emphasizing His essential role in God's plan.
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Revelation of John 7:1
After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.
The phrase "four corners of the earth" uses spatial imagery to signify the entire world under divine judgment.