ΣΤΟΙΧΕΙ͂ΟΝ: ** στοιχεῖον, -ου, τό [ [in LXX: Wi 7:17 19:18, IV Mac 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.) He 5:12; πτωχὰ σ., Ga 4:9; σ. τοῦ κόσμου, ib. 3, Col 2:8, 20 (but v. infr.).
4. . The material elements of the universe (Plat.; LXX, ll. c.): II Pe 3:10, 12.
5. . The heavenly bodies (Diog. Laert.).
6. . The demons or tutelary spirits of nature (Enoch., Test., Sol., al.; for this sense in Ga, Col, ll. c., v. ICC on Col 2:8; Enc. Bibl., s.v. " Elements ").†