Brief Overview of ξηραίνω (Strong’s G3583: xērainō)

Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is crucial for uncovering deeper meanings and insights, especially in the context of New Testament teachings. The Greek word ξηραίνω (xērainō) is particularly significant in its connection to life, death, and spiritual fruitfulness. It appears in Matthew 13:6, part of Jesus’ famous parable of the sower, where the word is used to describe the withering of plants under the heat of the sun. Its implications reach beyond horticultural imagery, touching on themes of spiritual growth, perseverance, and the consequences of a lack of nourishment—whether physical or spiritual. Exploring the word xērainō gives us a richer understanding of these concepts both in the cultural and spiritual contexts of the ancient world.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: ξηραίνω (xērainō), pronounced kseh-rah-ee-noh.

Etymology: Xērainō comes from the root ξηρός (xēros), meaning “dry” or “withered,” a word often associated with arid conditions or lifelessness in nature.

Part of Speech: It is a verb, which is often used in both active and passive forms to describe the process of drying up, withering, or being deprived of moisture. In spiritual contexts, it is sometimes metaphorically applied to describe spiritual or moral decay.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

1. To Dry Up or Wither: This is the primary meaning of xērainō, referring to the process by which plants, once full of life, become parched and lifeless due to lack of water or nourishment. In Matthew 13:6, this term vividly illustrates the fate of seeds that fall on rocky ground and fail to root deeply.

2. To Cause to Waste Away: In some instances, xērainō is used more figuratively to describe the deterioration of something due to neglect or lack of vital resources. This meaning can extend to physical objects or even the spiritual condition of a person.

3. To Shrivel or Become Arid: In some uses, it refers to the progressive loss of vitality and moisture, either in a literal or figurative sense. This usage highlights the gradual process of decline.

Exploring Similar Words

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1. ἀποξηραίνω (apoxērainō) [pronunciation: apo-xeh-rah-ee-noh]: This word means “to dry up completely” or “to utterly wither.” It carries a more intense connotation than xērainō, emphasizing total desiccation or exhaustion of life.

2. ξηρός (xēros) [pronunciation: kseh-ros]: This adjective means “dry” or “withered” and is often used to describe barren landscapes or lifeless plants. It shares the same root as xērainō and is used frequently in similar contexts.

3. μαραίνω (marainō) [pronunciation: mah-rah-ee-noh]: Another Greek word meaning “to waste away” or “to wither.” It is used in the New Testament to describe the fading of beauty or vitality, much like xērainō.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: Xērainō appears primarily in the present, aorist, and perfect tenses. In Matthew 13:6, it is used in the aorist tense to indicate the simple, completed action of the plants withering under the sun. It can appear in both active and passive voice, depending on the context. For example, in the active voice, it means “to cause to wither,” while in the passive voice, it means “to be withered.”

Person and Number: The verb is conjugated in various persons and numbers, such as ξηραίνω (1st person singular) or ξηραίνονται (3rd person plural). In Matthew 13:6, it appears in the 3rd person singular, ἐξηράνθη (it withered).

For more on Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The word xērainō is consistently interpreted across several Greek lexicons as referring to both physical and metaphorical “withering.” In Matthew 13:6, it underscores the frailty of plants with shallow roots, symbolizing how spiritual life can falter without deep, sustaining nourishment. Lexicons like BDAG and Thayer’s emphasize its use in both horticultural and spiritual contexts, where the drying up process indicates an external factor (such as heat or persecution) causing internal decay. Theologically, xērainō warns against the superficial acceptance of faith that lacks the endurance to withstand challenges.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 13:6: “But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they [withered] (ἐξηράνθησαν).”

2. Mark 11:20: “In the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree withered (ἐξηραμμένον) from the roots.”

3. Luke 8:6: “Some fell on the rock, and as it grew up, it withered (ἐξηράνθη) because it had no moisture.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato Timaeus “The plants withered (ξηραίνεται) under the hot sun.”

Herodotus Histories “The streams dried up (ξηραίνω) during the drought.”

Septuagint Psalm 102:4 “My heart is smitten and withered (ξηραίνω) like grass.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word xērainō (Strong’s G3583) holds profound meaning in both physical and spiritual contexts. As seen in Matthew 13:6, the word illustrates the vulnerability of plants without deep roots and applies this imagery to the spiritual life of individuals. Just as plants need nourishment to thrive, faith needs depth and perseverance to withstand challenges. This word not only describes a natural process but also serves as a spiritual metaphor throughout Scripture, making it a crucial term in understanding the teachings of Jesus and the broader biblical narrative.

Did You Know?

1. The word xērainō was often used in ancient Greek literature to describe the impact of droughts and harsh weather conditions on crops and vegetation.

2. In spiritual metaphors, xērainō emphasizes the need for perseverance and deeper spiritual foundations to avoid withering under trials.

3. The root word ξηρός (xēros) is frequently used to describe dry or barren landscapes, further linking the imagery of lifelessness to spiritual and physical decay.