sermon etymology

Etymology

The word "sermon" is derived from the Latin word "sermo," which means "speech" or "conversation."

Meaning

A sermon is a religious discourse delivered by a member of the clergy, typically during a worship service. It is a formal speech that expounds on a religious text or theme and provides instruction, exhortation, or consolation.

Origin

The practice of delivering sermons has its roots in ancient religious traditions. In many cultures, religious leaders would gather their followers and deliver speeches that explained religious beliefs, shared stories, and provided guidance.

In Christianity

In Christianity, the sermon became a central part of worship services. Early Christian leaders, such as the apostles, delivered sermons to teach the new faith and build the Christian community. Over time, sermons became more structured and formal, with a typical structure that included:

• Introduction: Statement of the theme or topic
• Exposition: Explanation of the religious text or theme
• Application: Practical implications for the audience
• Conclusion: Summary and call to action

In Other Religions

Sermons are also a common feature in other religions, including:

• Buddhism: Dharma talks by Buddhist monks and teachers
• Hinduism: Upadeshas (teachings) given by religious leaders
• Islam: Khutbahs (sermons) delivered during Friday prayers
• Judaism: D'var Torah (sermons on the Torah) given during synagogue services

Today

Sermons continue to play an important role in religious communities today. They provide a platform for spiritual instruction, encouragement, and the sharing of religious knowledge. Sermons can vary in length, style, and content depending on the denomination, worship tradition, and the speaker.

sermon relate terms

• sermocination

  Etymology Late Latin sermocinatio discourse conversation Latin sermo speech dis

• sermon

  Etymology The word sermon is derived from the Latin word sermo which means speech

• sermonette

  Etymology Sermon Middle English from the Old French sermon which in turn derives

• sermon

  Etymology The word sermon is derived from the Latin word sermo which means speech

• sermonize

  Etymology Sermonize comes from the Latin word sermo which means speech or disco

• discourse

  Etymology Discourse n comes from the Old French descourir from the Latin discurrere

• homily

  Etymology The word homily derives from the Ancient Greek word homilein meaning to

• preach

  Etymology Old English prēaċan from Proto Germanic prekōną from Proto Indo Eur

• lengthy

  Word Serendipity Etymology Coined by Horace Walpole in 1754 from Persian serendip

• wah wah

  Etymology The term wah wah is an onomatopoeia imitating the sound of a trumpet muted w

• pulpit

  Etymology The word pulpit comes from the Latin word pulpitum which means stage or

• lecture

  Etymology The word lecture is derived from the Latin word lectura which means a rea

• baccalaureate

  Etymology and Meaning The word baccalaureate originates from the Medieval Latin word b

• address

  Etymology The word address derives from the Old French word adrecier which in turn