[Greek] θήκη (thēkē), [Latin] theca: receptacle, sheath, scabbard, box, case, place, tomb, place for safekeeping; Jn.18:11
The discotheque, originally a record collection (library), becomes a nightclub for dancing.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means chest, storeroom, and tomb. Herodotus’ The Histories 9.83 states “Long after these events, many of the Plataeans also found chests of gold, silver and other things.” Euripides’ Hecuba 1147 states “Hecuba brought me here on this pretext, saying she would tell me of hidden treasure stored up in Illian by the Priam.” Xenophon’s Economics 8.17 states “It would be downright carelessness on our part if we, who have large storerooms in our house to keep everything separate and whose house rests on solid ground, fail to find a good and handy place for everything.” Aeschylus’ Persians 405 states “Free your children, your wives, the temples of your fathers’ god, and the tombs of your ancestors.”
Old Testament: This term means dwelling, habitation, place, receptacle, home, household, monument, pillar and stump. In the place where God has spoken with him, Jacob set up a sacred pillar (Gen.35:14). The Lord said to Noah: go into the ark, you and all your household (Gen.7:1). And the woman was taken into Pharaoh’ house (Gen.12:15). So she left his garment beside her until his master came home (Gen.39:16). Underneath the molding you shall put gold rings, two on one side and two on the opposite side, as holders for the poles used in carrying it (Exo.30:4). The king took the ten women and placed them under guard (2Sam.20:3).
New Testament: This term means sheath (scabbard) holding a sword or dagger. Jesus asked Peter and the disciples to remain vigilant in the Garden of Gethesemene. Judas identified Jesus so that He could be arrested by the authorities. Peter struck the high priest’s slave’s ear. Jesus told Peter to put his sword back into its sheath. Jesus healed the slave’s ear. Jesus was already aware that He was going to be arrested. Jesus permitted this to happen in order to be taken to the cross. It was on the cross that Jesus was to later drink the fourth cup, which allowed Him to finish the Passover sacrifice. The fourth cup represents the consummation of the new Covenant.
Scripture:
“Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword in your scabbard. Shall I not drink the cup that the Father gave me?’” Jn.18:11
The scabbard (sheath) holds the sword.
Conclusion:
Discotheque, bibliotheca, bibliotheque
In the Greek Hellenistic era, I was surprised to discover that this term can mean place (for safekeeping), case, and tomb. In a sense, this correlates with a sheath for holding a sword or dagger.
In the Old Testament culture, this term takes on many meanings. It is interesting to note that there are very many references to household and home. In the New Testament culture, this term specifically refers to a sheath (holding place) for a sword or dagger.
The ancient Greek bibliotheke originally meant book room (repository), a place to hold books. The Italian discoteca originally meant record collection or record library. Discotheque, a French variation of the English word, means a nightclub with record music and dancing. The French disque refers to a disk or thin, round object. In 1927 disco referred to a phonograph record. Perhaps, one could perhaps say that this is also a place where one contains one’s dance moves.
Catch you on the flip-side!