βαθμός
a step, a stage, a position
Definition
βαθμός (bathmos) literally means 'a step' or 'a stair,' referring to a physical step in a stairway. In its figurative sense, it denotes a stage, grade, or position in a sequence or hierarchy. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in a metaphorical sense to describe a position of responsibility or standing within the Christian community, specifically in 1 Timothy 3:13.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 1 Timothy 3:13. It describes the position or standing that deacons obtain for themselves through faithful service: 'For those who have served well as deacons obtain a good standing for themselves and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.' The context is ecclesiastical, relating to roles and progression within the church's leadership structure.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek verb βαίνω (bainō), meaning 'to go' or 'to walk.' The suffix -μός (-mos) indicates the result of an action, so βαθμός fundamentally means 'a stepping' or 'that which is stepped on.' It is related to words like βαθμίς (bathmis), a step of a ladder, and shares a root with the concept of progression or ascent.
Semantic Range
Though used only once, βαθμός is theologically significant for understanding church leadership and service. It implies that faithful service in a role like deacon is not an end in itself but leads to a recognized 'standing' or position of greater influence and confidence in the faith. This underscores the New Testament principle that godly character and diligent service are the pathways to spiritual authority and boldness (cf. 1 Timothy 3:13).
In the Greco-Roman world, the term was used for physical steps and for ranks or grades in various societal structures, such as military or civic hierarchies. The author's use of this term would have resonated with readers familiar with concepts of social and professional advancement, applying it to spiritual progression within the church community.
τάξις (taxis, G5010) — an arrangement, order, or class; more general than βαθμός, which implies a specific step in a sequence. κλῆσις (klēsis, G2821) — a calling; focuses on divine appointment rather than attained standing. μοῖρα (moira, G3313) — a part, share, or lot; implies an allotted portion rather than an earned position.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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