Brief Overview of ἀμπελουργός (G289)

ἀμπελουργός (ampelourgos) is a Greek term that refers to a “vine dresser” or “vineyard worker.”

Possible Meanings:

1. Vine Dresser: Someone who tends to and cultivates vines in a vineyard, including activities like pruning, training, and harvesting grapes.
2. Vineyard Worker: A more general term for a person working in a vineyard, which could encompass various roles related to vine care and grape production.
3. Figurative Use: In biblical or metaphorical contexts, this term might symbolize those who care for and nurture spiritual growth, drawing a parallel with the role of a vine dresser in tending to a vineyard.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἀμπελουργός as “vine dresser” or “vineyard worker.” It notes that this term describes someone who cultivates vines, including all activities necessary to maintain and harvest grapes. BDAG highlights that the term is used in the New Testament in a literal sense, specifically in the context of agriculture.

2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):

• LSJ describes ἀμπελουργός as “vine dresser.” It provides historical and classical examples of how this term was used in Greek literature to refer to individuals responsible for the cultivation and care of vineyards. The lexicon indicates the importance of this role in agricultural societies.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines ἀμπελουργός as “vine dresser” or “vineyard worker.” Thayer discusses the term’s usage in both literal and metaphorical senses, particularly noting its presence in biblical texts where it symbolizes the role of those who care for and nurture spiritual matters, paralleling the physical care given to vineyards.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance defines ἀμπελουργός as “vine dresser” and lists its occurrences in the New Testament. The term is used to describe those who work in vineyards, highlighting the practical responsibilities associated with vine cultivation. The concordance also notes its figurative implications in biblical teachings about spiritual care.

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Summary:
ἀμπελουργός (ampelourgos) primarily means “vine dresser” or “vineyard worker,” referring to a person who tends to and cultivates vines in a vineyard. This term is significant in both classical Greek literature and the New Testament. BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance all emphasize its literal role in agriculture and its metaphorical use to represent those who nurture and care for spiritual growth.