Range of meanings for οικος
Posted: November 21st, 2011, 1:44 am
On the previous B-Greek mailing list, I once posted a question about the meaning of οικος. Certain church growth movements and personalities have been using this Greek word as a concept in their understanding of evangelism and church growth. Their claim is that οικος means "extended family," which then becomes "close social connections," such as friends and colleagues. The problem is, I'm not aware that the word οικος has ever been used in this sense in the entire history of the Greek language and culture. I have looked in BDAG and Louw/Nida, TDNT, Moulton/Milligan, LSJ, and even the Enhanced Strong's Lexicon (no, I have not yet looked in the Etymological Lexicon). I see the sense of "building," and "family," and "household" (in the sense of family members, slaves, property, etc., who reside in a common geographical location). But not this idea of "social network" or "sphere of influence" that might include friends. I am even less familiar with modern Greek, so perhaps someone could respond to this from a modern Greek perspective.
Without getting into the theology of the movement (actually, I'm quite partial to much of their philosophical bent), I simply don't like it when any culture, language, text, or word is hi-jacked in order to lend credibility to something. If anyone can help me with information regarding uses of the word οικος which might indeed require a "social connections" meaning, please tell me. I have certain Greek texts available, but my proficiency in Greek is not advanced enough to read them fluently and to understand the words in context -(thank you translation-method-New-Testament-only-Greek-classes-and-textbooks-and-software). Additionally, οικος is such a common word I have been very slow going through the texts for which I have even an English translation to help me. A quick search uncovered several thousand occurrences.
Also, if anyone has done or knows of a study of the word οικος which could shed some light on the subject (and isn't just making assertions), or has come across the same problem I have, please send it my way.
Again, I'm not trying to attack or defend anyone's theology. I am simply trying to ascertain whether or a Greek word is being abused or not.
Without getting into the theology of the movement (actually, I'm quite partial to much of their philosophical bent), I simply don't like it when any culture, language, text, or word is hi-jacked in order to lend credibility to something. If anyone can help me with information regarding uses of the word οικος which might indeed require a "social connections" meaning, please tell me. I have certain Greek texts available, but my proficiency in Greek is not advanced enough to read them fluently and to understand the words in context -(thank you translation-method-New-Testament-only-Greek-classes-and-textbooks-and-software). Additionally, οικος is such a common word I have been very slow going through the texts for which I have even an English translation to help me. A quick search uncovered several thousand occurrences.
Also, if anyone has done or knows of a study of the word οικος which could shed some light on the subject (and isn't just making assertions), or has come across the same problem I have, please send it my way.
Again, I'm not trying to attack or defend anyone's theology. I am simply trying to ascertain whether or a Greek word is being abused or not.