[Greek] δρόμος (dromos), [Latin] cursus: race, mission, course, track, career, path, life; Acts.13:25, Acts.20:24, 2Tim.4:7
Modern day photo of the remains of the Circus Maximus in Rome, the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means course, track, way, journey, way, colonnade, and corridor. Used mostly as a course (track), this term evokes images of horse races or chariot races around a track. The Greek hippodrome refers to the arena (stadium) for such races.
Sophocles’ Electra 7.41: “The ill-fated Orestes had driven upright safely through every circuit, upright in his car. But he slacked his left rein while the horse was turning and unwittingly struck the edge of the pillar. He spilled forward over the chariot rail.” A course can also refer to a journey.
Homer’s Illiad III 23.758: “Achilles showed them the goal, a course was marked out for them from the turning point.”
Aeschylus’ Agamemnon 1245: “But as for the rest I heard I am thrown off the track.”
Old Testament: This term is related to three Hebrew terms. This term means a course, race, a running, a life, a manner of progress, and an abundance (multitude). At first glance, this sense of abundance seems to be not related to this term. Perhaps, this ties to both using, experiencing, and encountering abundance on a journey. There are some scriptural references to the dangers (cautions) of running. The Hellenistic philosopher Philo makes references to a course of nature, a tongue, “eyes” of the soul, and the course of life.
New Testament: This term, occurring three times, alludes to Paul’s mission and life eventually coming to an end. Paul speaks of John the Baptist’s completing his course, preparing the way for Jesus. Paul considers his course and ministry are more important than his life. Paul claims that he has competed well in finishing the race. This athletic imagery speaks to the Christian who must be prepared and ready to run the Christian race. The Christian who finishes this race will receive his reward from Christ.
Scripture:
Acts 13:25: “And as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not He. Behold one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of His feet.’” (As with John the Baptist, Paul senses his course [life] will also end.)
2Tim.4:7: “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” (Paul knows his course and ministry will come to and. Paul uses athletic imagery as a Christian finishing the Christian race. A Christian must be ready and fit for this course.)
Martyrdom of Polycarp:
“Ignatius to Polycarp 1.2: “I urge you, by the grace with which you are clothed to proceed on your course and to urge everyone so that they might be saved.”
Conclusion:
Hippodrome, palindrome, syndrome, dromedary, course
The hippodrome (horse track) evokes images of horse races and chariot races. This calls to mind such epic movies like Ben-Hur. Even in ancient Greco-Roman times, this term can convey one’s journey in life.
I did not expect that this term would be related to a sense of abundance (plentitude). It is interesting to note that are references to cautions (warnings) about one taking a course (journey).
It is very significant to note that Paul uses athletic imagery regarding the Christian course. The Christian must be ready and prepared to run this race. The Christian who reaches the finish will receive his reward from Christ.
The Greek hippopotamus literally means “river horse.” The Greek potamos means river.
The Latin circus means ring or circle.
A syndrome is group of symptoms which “run” together to form a medical condition.
A palindrome is a sequence of letters which “run” forward and backward. A palindrome created by Leigh Mercer in 1948 is “MADAM IN EDEN IM ADAM. This palindrome actually makes sense. WOW!