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)

one of a row; series; the shadow-line of a dial; an elementary sound; letter; the elements; rudiments; elements; heavenly bodies; demons; tutelary spirits