(Histemi)

 

Greek Pronunciation [HIHSS tay mee]

HCSB Translation: establish

Uses in the NT: 155

 

“This is the third time I am coming to you. Every charge must be established by the evidence
of two or three witnesses”

(2 Corinthians 13:1)



The Greek verb histemi means to stand and has 47 related words that occur in the NT, such as anistemi (to raise or stand up) and anastasis (resurrection). This gave rise to several figurative meanings referring to that which is firm, confirmed, established, appointed, or ordained.

For Paul, histemi most often served as a term for standing by faith (2 Cor. 1:24; Rom. 5:2; 11:20; 14:4; 1 Cor. 10:12; 15:1; Eph. 6:11, 13- 14; Col. 4:12). In discussing the nature of the law, Paul used histemi in teaching that righteousness by faith “upholds” [histemi], rather than cancels the law, since the law also teaches salvation by faith and not works (Rom. 3:31).

Similarly, Paul used histemi in reference to those who ” establish their own righteousness” as opposed to those who submit to God’s righteousness (Rom. 10:3) — another contrast between faith and works as the basis of salvation. Paul also used histemi in quoting the Greek OT to establish a principle for church discipline that he would apply on his next visit: “Every fact must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses” (2 Cor 13:1; see Deut. 19:15).

 

 


Word Studies courtesy of the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible. Used with permissions from B&H Publishing Group, A Division of LifeWay Christian Resources.