Brief Overview of ἐρεύγομαι (Strong’s G2044: ereugomai)

Introduction

Understanding the Greek word ἐρεύγομαι (ereugomai) is crucial for deepening one’s knowledge of Biblical studies and ancient Greek culture. This word, which involves the concept of expressing or bringing forth something, is particularly significant when interpreting the New Testament. It captures the essence of outward expression, whether in speech, emotion, or action. Its usage helps convey deeper theological meanings and enhances our understanding of the cultural and philosophical context of ancient Greece.

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Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐρεύγομαι (ereugomai) [eh-REU-goh-my]
• Etymology: Derived from the root ἐρεύγω (ereugo), meaning “to belch” or “to emit.” The word is closely related to expressions involving forceful or spontaneous release.
• Part of Speech: Verb; middle voice, used in the present tense primarily.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To belch or emit: Used literally to describe the physical act of belching or expelling something from within.
• To utter or express loudly: Figuratively employed to convey the idea of speaking or declaring something with intensity or emphasis.
• To bring forth or produce: A more generalized meaning that encompasses both literal and figurative aspects of expression or manifestation.

Similar Words: ἐκφέρω (ekphero) [ek-FE-ro], meaning “to bring forth” or “to produce,” emphasizes the act of carrying something out or bringing it to light. λαλέω (laleo) [la-LE-o], meaning “to speak” or “to talk,” focuses more on verbal expression rather than the forceful or emphatic connotation of ἐρεύγομαι.

Further Insights: ἐρεύγομαι is a middle-voice verb in Koine Greek, reflecting an action that has a direct effect on the subject performing it. Its conjugation follows the pattern typical of middle-voice verbs, where the subject participates in the result of the action. Below is the conjugation chart for ἐρεύγομαι in the present tense:

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG:
Defines ἐρεύγομαι as “to emit or expel,” particularly in contexts where something is brought forth suddenly or with force. It can describe both literal emissions, such as a belch, and metaphorical expressions, such as a forceful declaration or outcry.

Thayer’s Lexicon:
Notes that ἐρεύγομαι means “to belch” or “to utter with force.” It is used to emphasize the intensity of an expression or action, whether it involves a physical expulsion or a forceful statement.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary:
Highlights ἐρεύγομαι in the context of vocal expressions. It refers to the act of bringing forth words or emotions with a sense of intensity, often seen in passionate or emphatic speech.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
Lists ἐρεύγομαι as “to belch forth,” “to utter,” or “to emit.” This entry covers both the literal use in ancient literature and the metaphorical sense of releasing something vocally or emotionally.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Describes ἐρεύγομαι as “to emit, belch forth,” or “to express loudly.” The concordance suggests both physical and metaphorical uses, where the word is applied to expressions of forceful speech or sudden outbursts.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 13:35: “This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: ‘I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter [ἐρεύξομαι] things hidden since the foundation of the world.'”
  Here, ἐρεύξομαι is used metaphorically to express the act of revealing or bringing forth deep truths that were previously hidden.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐρεύγομαι (G2044: ereugomai)

The Greek verb ἐρεύγομαι (ereugomai) is primarily used to express the idea of forcefully bringing something forth, whether it is a physical emission like a belch or a strong verbal expression. Its occurrence in Matthew 13:35 provides insight into how it conveys the idea of revealing deep truths through parables. Although its usage is limited in the New Testament, its presence in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint offers valuable perspectives on its broader applications. The word’s varied meanings—both literal and metaphorical—underscore the richness of the Greek language in capturing nuances of expression and emotion.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Greek word ἐρεύγομαι (ereugomai) is often associated with not only physical acts but also metaphorical expressions of power and intensity? In ancient Greek literature, it could describe anything from the sound of an angry god’s rumble to the forceful outcry of a prophet. It reflects the ancient Greek fascination with the dramatic and powerful nature of both human and divine expressions.