Brief Overview of ζῳογονέω (Strong’s G2225: zōogonéō)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies because it allows us to connect with the original meanings and contexts of the Scriptures. The Greek word ζῳογονέω (zōogonéō) is particularly significant as it means “to preserve alive” or “to make alive.” It appears in contexts where life preservation and vitality are central themes. This word enriches our understanding of passages related to salvation, rescue, and divine preservation in the New Testament.

Key Information

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The Greek Word: ζῳογονέω (zōogonéō), pronounced [zo-oh-go-NEH-oh].
Etymology: Derived from ζῷον (zōon) meaning “living being” or “animal” and γεννάω (gennaō) meaning “to give birth” or “to produce.”
Part of Speech: Verb; typically appears in the active voice.
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

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To preserve alive: Used to indicate saving or keeping someone from death.
To make alive: Refers to the act of causing someone or something to live or be vital.
To maintain life: Implies keeping someone or something in a state of living or existence.

Similar Words: ζῳοποιέω (zōopoieō), pronounced [zo-oh-poi-EH-oh], is a related verb that also means “to make alive” or “to quicken.” While ζῳοποιέω often emphasizes the act of bringing to life or giving new life, ζῳογονέω focuses more on the preservation of life and keeping someone or something from death.

Further Insights: ζῳογονέω is primarily used in the active voice in Biblical Greek, where the subject of the verb actively preserves or gives life. It follows typical Greek verb conjugation patterns, adapting its endings according to tense, voice, and mood. Below is a table showing the present active indicative conjugation for ζῳογονέω:

Person / Number	Singular	Plural
1st Person	ζῳογονῶ	ζῳογονοῦμεν
2nd Person	ζῳογονεῖς	ζῳογονεῖτε
3rd Person	ζῳογονεῖ	ζῳογονοῦσι(ν)

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ζῳογονέω as “to bring safely through” or “to preserve alive,” especially in contexts where life is at risk. It is often associated with divine intervention in saving life.

Thayers: Interprets ζῳογονέω as “to cause to live” or “to keep alive,” often implying a protective or saving action that maintains life against danger.

Vines: Describes ζῳογονέω as “to preserve life” or “to save alive.” It is distinguished from ζῳοποιέω, which implies more of a transformative process, such as resurrection.

LSJ: Mainly uses ζῳογονέω in classical texts to mean “to preserve alive” or “to nurture into life.” This use is consistent in various contexts, including mythology and philosophy.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ζῳογονέω as “to make alive” or “to keep alive,” noting its use in passages concerning divine rescue or sustaining life.

Related Scripture References

Acts 7:19: “He took advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers so that they would expose their infants [to be born alive], they might not be preserved [ζῳογονεῖσθαι].”
1 Timothy 6:13: “I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life [ζῳογονοῦντος] to all things…”

Classical Usage

Author	Name of Work	English Text
Plato	Republic	“He who preserves life [ζῳογονεῖ] must understand the balance of forces that sustain all living beings.”
Homer	Odyssey	“The gods preserved [ζῳογονεῖν] the heroes in their dire journey across the sea.”
Aristotle	History of Animals	“Through the seasons, nature finds ways to preserve life [ζῳογονεῖν] in even the harshest conditions.”
Septuagint	Genesis 45:7	“God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to keep alive [ζῳογονῆσαι] many survivors.”
Septuagint	Ezekiel 18:27	“But if a wicked man turns from his wickedness… he will surely live [ζῳογονήσει].”
Septuagint	Nehemiah 9:6	“You give life [ζῳογονεῖς] to all of them, and the heavenly host bows down before You.”

Summary of ζῳογονέω (G2225: zōogonéō)

The Greek verb ζῳογονέω (zōogonéō) primarily means “to preserve alive” or “to make alive,” emphasizing divine action or intervention in keeping life. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts that speak of God’s life-preserving actions. This word is also used in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, where it often relates to the preservation of life amidst challenges. Understanding ζῳογονέω enhances the comprehension of Biblical passages that deal with themes of life, salvation, and divine rescue, highlighting the care and power of God in sustaining His creation.

Did You Know?

The Greek word ζῳογονέω was used by philosophers and theologians in ancient Greece to discuss how the gods might intervene to save lives in dire situations.
In the Septuagint, ζῳογονέω is often used in contexts where God is portrayed as actively sustaining His people through various trials and dangers.
The concept of “making alive” or “preserving life” underpins many of the theological teachings in the New Testament, where spiritual life is often paralleled with physical life preservation.