στοιχεῖον

G4747 G:N-N

principle

στοιχεῖον , -ου, τό [in LXX: Wis.7:17 19:18 , 4Ma.12:13 * ;] prop., one of a row (στοῖχος) or series, hence, __1. the shadow-line of a dial (Aristoph.). __2. an elementary sound or letter of the alphabet (Anth., Plut., π.). __3. the elements or rudiments of knowledge (Arist., al.) Heb.5:12; πτωχὰ σ., Gal.4:9; σ. τοῦ κόσμου, Gal.4:3 , Col.2:8, 20 (but see infr.). __4. The material elements of the universe (Plat.; LXX, ll. with): 2Pe.3:10 3:12 . __5. The heavenly bodies (Ding. Laert.). __6. The demons or tutelary spirits of nature (Enoch., Test., Sol., al.; for this sense in Ga, Col, ll. with, see ICC on Col.2:8; Enc. Bibl., see word " Elements ").† (AS)