τεῖχος (teichos)
teichos
wall
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun teichos refers specifically to a stone or brick wall, particularly one that surrounds a city or town. While it can describe any type of fortification, the sources highlight its use for substantial defensive structures rather than simple fences or barriers. This distinction sets it apart from other Greek words for boundaries, emphasizing physical protection and separation.
In Scripture, this word carries significant narrative weight. It appears in Acts when Paul’s disciples lower him in a basket through an opening in the city wall to escape danger (Acts 9:25). Similarly, Paul recounts being lowered in a basket through a window in the wall of Damascus to avoid arrest (2 Corinthians 11:33). These accounts show the wall as a tangible boundary between safety and peril.
Theological reflections also engage with this imagery. Hebrews notes that the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around them (Hebrews 11:30), framing the structure as an obstacle overcome by faith. Later, Revelation describes the New Jerusalem with twelve gates and massive walls, symbolizing the secure and holy nature of God’s final dwelling place (Revelation 21:12-19). The word thus moves from literal defense to spiritual security.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word teichos describes a substantial stone or brick wall, built primarily for defense and separation. In the ancient world, these structures defined the boundary between the safety of the community and the dangers outside. When we read about Paul being lowered in a basket through the wall of Damascus, we see a physical barrier that became a means of escape (Acts 9:25). This image reminds us that walls can sometimes serve as obstacles to danger, allowing God’s people to find refuge even when surrounded by threats.
Theological reflections often move from these literal fortifications to spiritual security. Hebrews notes that the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around them in faith (Hebrews 11:30). Here, the wall represents an insurmountable obstacle overcome not by military strength, but by trust in God’s command. This shift from physical protection to divine assurance shows how barriers can be removed when we rely on spiritual power rather than human effort.
Finally, Revelation paints a picture of the New Jerusalem with its great and high wall (Revelation 21:12). Unlike earthly walls that keep enemies out, this wall signifies the holy and secure nature of God’s final dwelling place. It symbolizes a permanent safety where believers find their ultimate home. This imagery invites us to look beyond temporary protections toward the eternal security found in God’s presence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- wall7×
- walls1×
- a wall1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- τεῖχος4×
- τείχους4×
- τείχη1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 9:25
but his disciples took him by night and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket.
This verse illustrates the wall as a tangible boundary that Paul’s disciples used strategically to escape danger, highlighting its role as a physical obstacle in a moment of peril.
-
Hebrews 11:30
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
The fall of Jericho’s walls demonstrates how faith can dismantle seemingly insurmountable obstacles, framing the structure as something overcome by divine power rather than human force.
-
Revelation of John 21:12
having a great and high wall with twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.
The great and high wall of the New Jerusalem symbolizes the secure and holy nature of God’s final dwelling place, shifting the concept from defensive barrier to eternal safety.