In 1 tim 3 15 Paul uses hedraióma meaning a support instead of themelio meaning foundation, if paul was trying to say the church is the base of truth wouldnt he using themelio?
That’s a pretty specialized question for this forum. It’s the sole occurrence of the word in the NT, and I don’t think it’s used anywhere in the Septuagint. Maybe @Gorgias can help? If you don’t get an answer here at CAF, you might try the B-Greek website:
In 1 tim 3 15 Paul uses hedraióma meaning a support instead of themelio meaning foundation, if paul was trying to say the church is the base of truth wouldnt he using themelio?
So “foundation” is not the best translation for hedraioma. Hedraioma is Strongs #1477, and is a variant of Strongs #1476 “hedraios”; “steadfast”.
So a “hedraioma” is not best pictured as foundation on which one builds, but structures that prevent the building from moving or collapsing. Better words are “bulwark” (RSV/NRSV), “support” (NASB), “ground” (King James), “buttress” (ESV). The best imagery I could think of are the flying buttresses of the Gothic cathedrals: these are hedraioma.
The Church is not the “base” of the truth; it is its protector. Pillars and buttresses serve similar purposes; they keep the structure upright. The Church fulfills this role by preserving this truth and fighting heresies. Without the guidance and support of the Church, the truth can be easily picked apart and that’s where heresies begin.
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