θεμελιόω (themelioō)
themelioō
to found
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb themelioō means to lay a foundation or to establish something on solid ground. In the New Testament, it appears in five verses, primarily in Matthew, Luke, Hebrews, Ephesians, and Colossians. The word carries both literal and metaphorical weight, describing the act of building upon a stable base.
Its most vivid use occurs in the Gospels, where Jesus describes the wise man whose house stands firm because it was founded on rock (Matthew 7:25; Luke 6:48). Here, themelioō emphasizes stability against storms. In epistolary contexts, it shifts to spiritual formation: Paul speaks of believers being rooted and grounded in love (Ephesians 3:17–18, where the related noun is used, but the verb concept applies), or remaining firm in the faith (Colossians 1:23). Hebrews 1:10 quotes Psalm 102, applying it to Christ laying the foundations of the earth.
Derived from themelios ("foundation stone"), the word underscores permanence. Unlike temporary structures, what is themelioō-ed endures. Translators often render it "founded," "established," or "rooted," depending on context. The term reminds readers that true stability comes not from surface strength but from a deep, secure base.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word themelioō points to the quiet, hidden work of laying a foundation. In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus uses this image to show that a life built on His words stands firm when storms arrive. The rain and wind do not destroy what is securely placed on solid rock. This offers comfort: your stability does not depend on calm weather, but on where you have been anchored.
In the letters to the churches, this idea shifts from physical houses to spiritual roots. Believers are described as grounded in love or established in faith. These are not fleeting emotions but deep connections that withstand pressure. When trials come, you are not left floating; you are held by a base that does not shift.
This promise extends to God’s own creative power and His care for you. Hebrews reminds us that Christ laid the foundations of the earth, showing His eternal strength. Peter prays that God will establish you after suffering. You can trust that the same power that created the world is working to settle your heart in grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- laid the foundation,1×
- it had been founded1×
- founded,1×
- established1×
- [and] he will establish [you].1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐθεμελίωσας,1×
- τεθεμελίωτο1×
- τεθεμελιωμένοι,1×
- τεθεμελιωμένοι1×
- θεμελιώσει.1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 7:25
The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.
This verse demonstrates the word's core meaning by showing that a house founded on rock survives violent storms, illustrating spiritual resilience.
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Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
Here the concept of being grounded is applied to love, suggesting that emotional and spiritual stability comes from Christ's presence within.
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Colossians 1:23
if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which was proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I, Paul, was made a servant.
Paul uses this idea to urge believers to remain steadfast in their faith, linking stability directly to the hope of the Gospel.
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Hebrews 1:10
And, “You, Lord, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands.
This occurrence applies the word to Christ’s divine act of laying the earth's foundation, highlighting His eternal authority and creative power.
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I Peter 5:10
But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
Peter uses a related form to pray that God will establish believers after suffering, showing God's active role in securing our spiritual footing.