Unveiling the Word
In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like κηπουρός (kēpouros) is vital for grasping the layers of meaning embedded in the New Testament. The term κηπουρός, which appears in John 20:15, refers to a “gardener” or “caretaker of a garden.” This word is particularly significant in the New Testament narrative where Mary Magdalene mistakes the resurrected Jesus for a gardener. This encounter carries rich theological symbolism, connecting Jesus to themes of life, cultivation, and new creation. The role of the gardener in ancient Greek culture also adds depth to this imagery, highlighting the importance of nurturing and caring for growth, both physically and spiritually.
Necessary Information
Greek Word: κηπουρός, transliterated as kēpouros [kay-POO-ros].
Etymology: The word κηπουρός is a compound of two Greek words: κῆπος (kēpos), meaning “garden,” and οὐρός (ouros), meaning “keeper” or “guardian.” Thus, κηπουρός directly translates to “one who keeps a garden” or “gardener.”
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Part of Speech: κηπουρός is a masculine noun. It follows the standard rules for Greek nouns, showing variations in case (nominative, genitive, dative, accusative) and number (singular, plural).
The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Defining Meanings
The primary meaning of κηπουρός is “gardener.” It specifically refers to someone who tends, maintains, and cultivates a garden. In the context of the New Testament, this term takes on a deeper metaphorical meaning, especially in John 20:15, where it is used to describe the role of Jesus as one who nurtures and cares for the new creation.
A secondary meaning could extend to “caretaker” or “steward,” emphasizing the responsibility and dedication of someone who manages and looks after something precious, such as a garden.
Exploring Similar Words
Another Greek word, γεωργός (geōrgos) [ge-OR-gos], means “farmer” or “tiller of the soil.” While both γεωργός and κηπουρός involve cultivating the earth, γεωργός typically refers to larger-scale agriculture, whereas κηπουρός is focused on the more intimate care of a garden.
The word φύλαξ (phylax) [FEE-laks] means “guardian” or “watchman.” It differs from κηπουρός in that it emphasizes the protective aspect rather than the nurturing or cultivating role implied by a gardener.
Another similar term is ἀμπελουργός (ampelourgos) [am-pe-loo-ROS], meaning “vine-dresser” or “vineyard worker.” While closely related in function to κηπουρός, ἀμπελουργός is specifically related to vineyards rather than general gardens.
Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Case, Number, Gender: κηπουρός is a masculine noun and follows the second declension pattern in Greek grammar. Its declension is as follows:
| Case / Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | κηπουρός | κηποῦροι |
| Genitive | κηποῦροῦ | κηπούρων |
| Dative | κηποῦρῷ | κηποῦροις |
| Accusative | κηποῦρον | κηποῦρους |
Declension: As shown, κηπουρός follows the second declension pattern for masculine nouns in Greek.
For a deeper understanding of Greek grammar, Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Studying Lexicon Insights
The word κηπουρός holds a unique place in New Testament lexicons as it is tied directly to the resurrection narrative in John 20:15. Theologians and lexicographers point out the symbolism of Jesus being mistaken for a gardener by Mary Magdalene. This carries theological weight as it presents Jesus as the caretaker of the new creation, nurturing the spiritual growth of believers. In classical Greek contexts, the word reflects a person responsible for maintaining gardens and cultivating beauty, which often had a sacred or philosophical significance. The role of a gardener in these texts is not merely functional but also evokes ideas of wisdom, care, and provision.
This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.
Tracing Related Scriptures
John 20:15: “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?’ Supposing Him to be the gardener [κηπουρός], she said to Him, ‘Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.'”
Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | Text Excerpt |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “And the κηπουρός (gardener) tended the sacred grove with care, each tree in perfect harmony.” |
| Xenophon | Oeconomicus | “The wise κηπουρός (gardener) knows the secret to a fruitful garden is in the careful tending.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis | “And the Lord God took the man and put him into the κῆπος (garden) to dress it and to keep it.” |
Noteworthy Summary
The Greek word κηπουρός (kēpouros) reveals profound layers of meaning in its use in the New Testament. While it primarily refers to a “gardener,” its appearance in John 20:15 adds symbolic weight to the resurrection narrative, suggesting Jesus as the nurturer and caretaker of a renewed spiritual creation. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature further enriches its meaning, emphasizing themes of care, cultivation, and growth.
Did You Know?
In Greek culture, gardeners were often seen as philosophers in their own right, cultivating both gardens and minds.
In John 20:15, the mistaken identity of Jesus as a gardener holds a symbolic truth about His role in the renewal of creation.
The Greek word κηπουρός, like many other ancient words, illustrates the interconnectedness of physical and spiritual care.
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