Spiritual Birth Pains: ὠδίνω (Strong’s G5605: odino) Reveals Kingdom Growth

Strong’s G5605: From ὠδίς (birth pang); to experience the pains of childbirth, metaphorically expressing intense spiritual or emotional anguish, especially in relation to spiritual formation and growth. Used notably in both literal and figurative contexts in the New Testament to convey deep spiritual travail.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word ὠδίνω powerfully conveys the intense experience of childbirth pains, but its theological significance extends far beyond physical labor. In the New Testament, it becomes a profound metaphor for spiritual transformation and discipleship. Just as a mother endures labor pains to bring new life into the world, spiritual leaders and believers experience deep anguish and intense concern for the spiritual formation of others. This imagery particularly resonates in Paul’s ministry, where he describes himself as experiencing birth pains until the Messiah is formed in believers. The early church understood this term as expressing the cost and intensity of spiritual nurture and discipleship.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὠδίνω, odino, /ō-DEE-nō/
• Detailed pronunciation: oh-DEE-noh (long o in first syllable, stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: ὠδίς (odis) – birth pang, labor pain
• Suffix: -νω (no) – verbal ending indicating present tense action
• Function: Indicates ongoing process or state of experiencing labor pains

D – Defining Meanings

• To experience birth pangs or labor pains
• To suffer acute pain (physical or mental)
• To travail in spiritual birth or formation

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derives from the noun ὠδίς with the addition of the verbal suffix -νω

Translation Options:

• “to be in labor” – captures the physical aspect of childbirth
• “to travail” – conveys both physical and spiritual dimensions
• “to suffer birth pains” – emphasizes the painful process of bringing forth new life

E – Exploring Similar Words

• στενάζω (stenazo) /sten-AD-zo/ – to groan or sigh deeply, expressing emotional distress
  See G4727
• τίκτω (tikto) /TIK-to/ – to give birth, bring forth
  See G5088
• μορφόω (morphoo) /mor-FO-o/ – to form, shape, fashion
  See G3445

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, ὠδίνω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present, indicating ongoing action
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The word typically appears in present tense, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the spiritual labor. For example:

• I am travailing (ὠδίνω)
• You are travailing (ὠδίνεις)
• She is travailing (ὠδίνει)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The rich imagery of ὠδίνω spans both classical and biblical literature. BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage in spiritual contexts, particularly in Paul’s letters. Thayer’s highlights the connection between physical birth pangs and spiritual anguish. LSJ provides extensive classical references showing its usage in medical contexts. Vine’s emphasizes the word’s connection to the messianic expectations in both Testaments. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings confirm its common usage in everyday Greek for childbirth, while also noting its metaphorical extensions. The lexicons consistently note the word’s power to convey both intense suffering and the purposeful nature of that pain – it leads to new life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Galatians 4:19 “My little children, of whom I travail [ὠδίνω] in birth again until the Messiah be formed in you”

Additional References:
Revelation 12:2
Matthew 24:8
Mark 13:8
Romans 8:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The concept of ὠδίνω beautifully captures the paradox of pain and purpose in the Kingdom of God. Just as childbirth involves intense suffering that leads to joy, spiritual formation requires deep travail that results in new life. This word reminds us that the good news of King Jesus often comes through processes that are painful yet purposeful. The Messiah Himself used this imagery to describe the birth pangs of the new age, and Paul employed it to express his pastoral heart. It teaches us that spiritual growth, both personal and communal, often involves necessary suffering that leads to glorious transformation.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient medical texts describing the exact timing and nature of labor contractions
• It’s used metaphorically in Greek philosophy to describe the “birth” of ideas and understanding
• The term plays a crucial role in early Christian writings about spiritual mentorship and discipleship

Strong’s G5605: From ὠδίς (birth pang); to experience the pains of childbirth, metaphorically expressing intense spiritual or emotional anguish, especially in relation to spiritual formation and growth. Used notably in both literal and figurative contexts in the New Testament to convey deep spiritual travail.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: birth pangs, spiritual formation, discipleship, Paul, metaphor, suffering, transformation, kingdom growth, spiritual labor, mentorship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​