Elements
NatureWhat is the meaning of Elements in the Bible?
In a biblical and ancient context, elements (stoicheia) refer to the basic constituents of the universe or the spiritual principalities and planetary powers that governed the cosmos in Greco-Roman and early Christian thought.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the physical definition of elements clarifies the imagery in 2 Peter 3:10, where the dissolution of the material cosmos is described through the melting of these basic constituents.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Elements were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Elements in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Elements clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
2 Peter 3:10
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Elements." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/elements/