δῶμα

the top of the house

Definition

δῶμα (dōma) refers to the flat roof of a house in the New Testament, a common architectural feature in the ancient Near East. It was a functional space used for various activities, such as drying crops, sleeping, or praying, as seen in Acts 10:9 where Peter goes up to the roof to pray. In several passages, it serves as a point of escape or proclamation, such as in Matthew 10:27 where Jesus instructs his disciples to proclaim from the rooftops what they hear in secret. In eschatological warnings like Matthew 24:17 and Luke 17:31, the roof is a place from which one must flee without delay, highlighting its role as an access point to the outside.

Biblical Usage

δῶμα appears seven times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts. It is used in practical, parabolic, and prophetic contexts. In the Synoptic Gospels, it often features in Jesus' teachings about openness and urgency: for public proclamation (Matthew 10:27, Luke 12:3), as an escape route during tribulation (Matthew 24:17, Mark 13:15, Luke 17:31), and as a point of access for lowering a paralytic to Jesus (Luke 5:19). In Acts 10:9, it is a private place for prayer, showing its domestic use.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb δέμω (demō), meaning 'to build,' δῶμα originally referred to a built structure or house. Over time, its meaning narrowed specifically to the roof or top of a house. This development reflects the architectural focus on the roof as a significant part of the dwelling in Mediterranean cultures.

Semantic Range

Theologically, δῶμα enriches understanding by illustrating themes of revelation, urgency, and access to God. Jesus' command to proclaim from the rooftops (Matthew 10:27) symbolizes the complete disclosure of the gospel, moving from hiddenness to public witness. In eschatological passages, fleeing from the roof underscores the suddenness and priority of God's coming judgment. The roof in Luke 5:19 and Acts 10:9 also represents a point of physical and spiritual access to Jesus and divine revelation, highlighting God's openness to those who seek Him.

In first-century Palestine, houses typically had flat roofs made of beams and clay, accessible by an external staircase. The roof was a versatile living space used for sleeping, storage, drying flax or grain, and social gatherings. This contrasts with modern pitched roofs, making biblical references to rooftop activities (like prayer in Acts 10:9 or escape in Matthew 24:17) more relatable when understood as a functional, outdoor area integral to daily life.

στέγη (stegē, G4721) — also means 'roof,' but emphasizes the covering or shelter aspect; often used interchangeably with δῶμα. οἰκία (oikia, G3614) — means 'house' or 'household,' referring to the whole dwelling, not just the roof. τέγος (tegos) — a less common synonym for 'roof,' not used in the New Testament.

Word Details

Scripture References