Brief Overview of σπουδή (Strong’s G4710: spoudē)

Strong’s G4710: A feminine noun expressing earnestness, diligence, and haste. In New Testament usage, it encompasses both the inner quality of earnest commitment and its outward expression in zealous action, particularly in contexts of Christian service and moral urgency.

U- Unveiling the Word

σπουδή represents a dynamic concept that combines earnest commitment with urgent action. Its semantic range includes both the internal disposition of earnestness and its external manifestation in diligent effort and haste. In the New Testament, it appears in various contexts, from the hasty actions of Herodias’s daughter to Paul’s exhortations for diligent Christian service. Early church fathers emphasized this word when discussing the proper attitude toward spiritual duties and moral responsibilities. Today, it continues to challenge believers to combine genuine earnestness with appropriate urgency in their spiritual lives.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπουδή, spoudē, spoo-DAY
• Detailed pronunciation: sp (as in speak) + oo (as in food) + day (as in day)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root word σπεύδω (speudō) – to hasten
• -η (-ē) suffix – forms abstract nouns
• Indicates quality or state of earnestness/haste

D – Defining Meanings

• Earnestness
• Diligence
• Haste
• Eagerness
• Zealous effort

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “Earnest care” – emphasizes quality of attention
• “Diligent effort” – stresses active commitment
• “Eager haste” – highlights urgency aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• προθυμία (prothymia) [pro-thoo-MEE-ah] – readiness of mind – See G4288
• ζῆλος (zēlos) [ZAY-los] – zeal, ardor – See G2205
• ἐπιμέλεια (epimeleia) [ep-ee-MEL-ee-ah] – care, attention – See G1958

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σπουδή (earnestness)
• Genitive: σπουδῆς (of earnestness)
• Dative: σπουδῇ (with earnestness)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its dual meaning of earnestness and haste. Thayer’s notes its progression from physical haste to moral earnestness. LSJ documents extensive usage in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its application to Christian character. Strong’s connects it to both speed and diligence. LEH traces Septuagint usage patterns. Moulton and Milligan show its common use in business contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Mark 6:25: “Immediately she came in with haste [σπουδή] to the king and asked, saying, ‘I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.'”

Additional References:
Luke 1:39, Romans 12:8, Romans 12:11, 2 Corinthians 7:11, 2 Corinthians 7:12, 2 Corinthians 8:7, 2 Corinthians 8:8, 2 Corinthians 8:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σπουδή captures the dynamic quality of Christian commitment that combines heartfelt earnestness with appropriate urgency. It proclaims the good news that following the Messiah involves both genuine inner devotion and active outward service. This word challenges us to serve our King with both sincere hearts and diligent hands.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was commonly used in business contracts requiring urgent attention
• Early Christian martyrdom accounts used it to describe eagerness to witness for the Messiah
• It appears in ancient athletic training contexts describing focused dedication

Strong’s G4710: A feminine noun expressing earnestness, diligence, and haste. In New Testament usage, it encompasses both the inner quality of earnest commitment and its outward expression in zealous action, particularly in contexts of Christian service and moral urgency.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: earnestness, diligence, haste, commitment, zeal, Christian-service, moral-urgency, dedication, effort, spiritual-discipline, Christian-character, inner-disposition, active-service, eagerness, devotion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​