[Greek] στέγη (stegē), [Latin] umbra: roof, shadow, chamber; Mt.8:8, Mk.2:4, Lk.7:6
Christ Heals the Centurion Servant: painting by Sebastiano Ricci
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means roof, shelter, roofed place, chamber, upper storey of a house, dwelling, and deck of a ship. Xenophon’s Memorabilia 3.8.9 states “Now in houses with a south aspect, the sun’s rays penetrate into the portices in winter, but in summer the path of the sun is right over our heads above the roof, so that there is shade.” Xenophon’s Economics 8.13 states “And all the things I mention were contained in a chamber of little more than a hundred square cubits.” Sophocles’ Antigone 888 states “And when you have enshrouded her, as I proclaimed, in her covered tomb, leave her alone deserted, – let her decide where she wishes to die or to be entombed in such a a home.”
Old Testament: This term means covering, awning, omentum (covering intestines), shadow, and shade. The portions of the covering fat they placed on top of the briskets (Lev.9:19). And worms are your covering (Isa.14:11). Your awning was blue and purple from the coastlands of Elishah (Eze.27:7). Our days on the earth are like a shadow, and there is no hope (1Chr.29:15). The lotus plants cover him with a shade (Job 40:22). Hide me in the shadow of Your wings (Psa.17:8). The Lord is your shade on your right hand (Psa.121:5). And it will hatch and gather them under its protection (Isa.34:15).
New Testament: This term, meaning roof, all make references to healing. The Gentile centurion humbly asks Jesus to heal his servant. It was considered unclean for a Jew to enter a house of a Gentile. The centurion expresses his faith in the power of Jesus’ word. The servant was later healed. The friends of the paralytic were unable to get near Jesus. They lowered the paralytic through the roof to meet Jesus. It was the paralytic’s faith and those who carried them that moved Jesus to heal the paralytic.
Scripture:
“The centurion said in reply, ‘Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only the say the word and my servant will be healed’” Mt.8:8
The centurion’s faith in Jesus’ words allowed Jesus to heal his servant. It was considered unclean for a Jew to enter into a Gentile house.
“Unable to get near Jesus because of the crowd, they opened up the roof above him, after they had broken through, they let down the mat on which the paralytic was lying.” Mk.2:4
Jesus, moved by the paralytic’s and his friends’ faith, healed the paralytic.
Conclusion:
Stegosaurus, umbra, penumbra
At first glance, I had only thought that this term was associated with the stegosaurus dinosaur. It was interesting to discover that this term also refers to chamber, deck, shadow, and shade.
In the Old Testament, I was surprised that this term refers to the fat that covers the gut (intestines). A more nuanced meaning refers to protection.
In the New Testament, this term plays only an incidental part in the important scriptural meaning. The roof becomes only a minor obstacle which is overcome by faith. The paralytic and his friends’ faith enabled them to see Jesus and allow the paralytic be healed. The Gentile centurion’s faith overcame any cultural restrictions of entering a Gentile’s home. The centurion’s servant was healed of the centurion’s faith.
Mass: Just as Catholics believe that the Lord is truly present in the Eucharist, we are still unworthy to receive these holy gifts. Our individual response in faith is indicated by saying my soul rather than my servant. We must continue to strive to be humble. This references Mt. 8:8.
The stegosaurus means armed roof lizard. The plates on its back look like shingles (tiles) on a roof.
The penumbra is the shadow cast by the earth or moon in an eclipse.