ὁμοθυμαδόν

with one mind, unanimously

Definition

The adverb ὁμοθυμαδόν describes a group acting with unified purpose, passion, or consent. Its primary meaning is 'with one mind' or 'unanimously,' emphasizing shared intent and emotional unity, as seen when the early church prayed together (Acts 1:14, Acts 4:24). It can also carry a sense of collective, simultaneous action, such as a crowd rushing together (Acts 7:57) or people responding as one (Acts 8:6). In nearly all its uses, it portrays a powerful, cohesive group dynamic, whether for good (like worship in Acts 2:46) or for opposition (like the mob in Acts 7:57).

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in the book of Acts (11 times) and once in Romans 15:6. In Acts, it consistently describes the unity of the early Christian community in prayer, worship, and purpose (Acts 1:14, 2:46, 4:24). It also depicts crowds, both positively (united in hearing Philip in Acts 8:6) and negatively (united in opposing Stephen in Acts 7:57). The pattern shows it is a key term Luke uses to highlight the powerful, visible unity that characterized the Spirit-empowered church and the reactions it provoked.

Etymology

Derived from ὁμός (homos, G3674) meaning 'same' and θυμός (thymos, G2372) meaning 'passion, spirit, or mind.' Literally, it means 'with the same passion' or 'of one spirit.' The root θυμός can refer to the seat of emotions, suggesting this unity involves shared feeling and resolve, not just intellectual agreement.

Semantic Range

ὁμοθυμαδόν is theologically significant as a marker of the Holy Spirit's work in creating and sustaining the early church's unity. This was a fulfillment of Jesus' prayer for his followers to be one (John 17:21). Its use shows that Christian unity is not mere organizational agreement but a deep, shared passion directed toward God and mission. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that the church's powerful witness in Acts was fundamentally tied to this Spirit-wrought, visible unanimity.

In the Greco-Roman world, such unanimous action was often idealized in political or military contexts for its strength and efficiency. For Luke to apply it to a diverse, voluntary religious community was culturally striking. It presented the church as a new, powerfully unified social body that transcended normal ethnic and social divisions, which was a counter-cultural witness in the 1st-century world.

ἐπὶ τὸ αὐτὸ (epi to auto, G1909, G846) — 'in the same place/together'; emphasizes physical gathering more than internal unity. ὁμοῦ (homou, G3674) — 'together'; a simpler, more general term for physical togetherness without the connotation of shared passion.

Word Details

Scripture References