The meaning of “οὐρανός”
Understanding ouranós reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
air, heaven(-ly), sky. - the sky - by extension, heaven (as the abode of God) - by implication, happiness, power, eterni...
οὐρανός
air, heaven(-ly), sky. - the sky - by extension, heaven (as the abode of God) - by implication, happiness, power, eternity - specially, the Gospel (Christianity)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 13:45 | “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:” Word: οὐρανός (ouranós) | |
| Acts 7:56 | “And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.” Word: οὐρανός (ouranós) | |
| Galatians 1:8 | “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.” Word: οὐρανός (ouranós) | |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:16 | “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” Word: οὐρανός (ouranós) | |
| 1 Peter 1:12 | “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” Word: οὐρανός (ouranós) |
Theological Word Study: Heaven
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Heaven, sky
The Hebrew shamayim (שָׁמַיִם) means heaven or sky—God's dwelling place and the realm above earth. 'The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD's' (Psalm 115:16), yet 'the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him' (1 Kings 8:27).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Heaven, sky
The Greek ouranos (οὐρανός) denotes heaven—God's throne and the believer's eternal home. Jesus taught His disciples to pray 'Our Father which art in heaven' (Matthew 6:9) and promised to prepare a place there (John 14:2).