στῦλος (stulos)
stulos
pillar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word stulos refers to a pillar or column, specifically viewed as a structural support that holds something up. Its root relates to stiffening or becoming rigid, emphasizing stability and strength rather than mere decoration. In the New Testament, this concrete image appears in four verses, primarily in Revelation, where John describes pillars of fire, and in Paul’s letters, where he uses the term metaphorically for people.
Paul applies this word to key leaders like James, Peter, and John, calling them "pillars" of the early church because they provided essential support to the community (Galatians 2:9). He also describes the household of God as "the pillar and foundation of the truth," suggesting that the church itself serves as a stable structure upholding divine reality (1 Timothy 3:15). In Revelation, believers are promised to become pillars in God’s temple, indicating a permanent, unshakable place in the divine presence (Revelation 3:12).
Translators consistently render stulos as "pillar" or "column," preserving the physical sense of vertical support. The theological weight lies in this imagery of steadfastness; just as a stone pillar resists collapse, these biblical figures and institutions are portrayed as enduring fixtures that sustain the faith community against instability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pillar describes something built to bear weight and resist shaking. In Scripture, this image moves from stone columns to people and communities. When Paul calls James, Peter, and John pillars, he highlights their role in holding up the early church through teaching and leadership. This shows that stability in faith often comes through trusted relationships and shared mission.
Later passages expand this idea to include every believer. The promise that an overcomer will become a pillar in God’s temple suggests a permanent place of honor and security. It is not about standing alone, but about being firmly rooted in Christ so that you can support others without fear of collapse.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pillars2×
- a pillar1×
- [the] pillar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- στῦλοι2×
- στῦλος1×
- στῦλον1×
Key Verses
-
Galatians 2:9
and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
Paul uses this term to identify James, Cephas, and John as foundational leaders who validated the apostolic mission through fellowship.
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Revelation of John 3:12
He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of my God, and he will go out from there no more. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name.
This verse promises believers a permanent, unshakable place in God's temple, symbolizing eternal security and identity.