Brief Overview of στρέφω (Strong’s G4762: strephō)

Strong’s G4762: A primary verb meaning to turn, turn around, or change direction. Used both literally for physical turning and metaphorically for internal change or conversion. In NT contexts, appears in significant teachings about spiritual transformation and response to opposition.

U- Unveiling the Word

Στρέφω carries profound significance in both its literal and metaphorical uses. From Jesus’ teaching about turning the other cheek to descriptions of spiritual conversion, this word embodies the concept of decisive change in direction. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from physical movement to heart transformation. Early church fathers saw in this term a picture of true repentance and spiritual reorientation toward God. Today, στρέφω continues to remind us that following the Messiah involves both external actions and internal transformation.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στρέφω, strephō, /stref’-o/
• Detailed Pronunciation: STREH-foh (emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary root verb without composition
• Related to Indo-European root *strebh- meaning “to wind, turn”
  The word represents one of the most basic concepts of turning or changing direction.

D – Defining Meanings

• To turn or turn around physically
• To change direction
• To convert or transform (metaphorically)
• To return or turn back

For compound words: Not applicable as στρέφω is a simple verb.

Translation Options:

1. “To turn” – Most basic meaning
2. “To change” – Captures transformative aspect
3. “To convert” – Emphasizes spiritual transformation

E – Exploring Similar Words

1. ἐπιστρέφω (epistrephō) /ep-ee-stref’-o/ – to turn about, return. See G1994
2. μεταστρέφω (metastrephō) /met-as-tref’-o/ – to transform, change. See G3344
3. ἀποστρέφω (apostrephō) /ap-os-tref’-o/ – to turn away from. See G654

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, στρέφω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present/Aorist/Perfect
• Voice: Active/Passive/Middle
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive/Imperative
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Punctiliar

Examples of conjugation:

• Present: στρέφω (I turn), στρέφεις (you turn), στρέφει (he/she/it turns)
• Aorist: ἔστρεψα (I turned)
• Perfect: ἔστροφα (I have turned)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and metaphorical meanings. Thayer’s notes its use in conversion contexts. LSJ documents its broad semantic range. Vine’s highlights its spiritual applications. Strong’s connects it to basic turning motion. Moulton and Milligan show its common usage in everyday contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:

“But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, [στρέφω] turn the other to him also.” Matthew 5:39

Additional References:
Matthew 7:6
Matthew 16:23
John 1:38
Acts 7:39
Revelation 11:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Στρέφω beautifully illustrates the transformative nature of following Jesus. Whether in His teaching about turning the other cheek or in descriptions of spiritual conversion, this word reminds us that the Gospel calls for both external actions and internal transformation. It points to the radical reorientation that occurs when we turn to follow the Messiah.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word influenced early Christian baptismal terminology for conversion.
2. Ancient Greek philosophers used it to describe the soul’s turn toward truth.
3. It appears in both positive (turning to God) and negative (turning away) contexts in Scripture.

Strong’s G4762: A primary verb meaning to turn, turn around, or change direction. Used both literally for physical turning and metaphorically for internal change or conversion. In NT contexts, appears in significant teachings about spiritual transformation and response to opposition.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: turning, conversion, transformation, change, repentance, spiritual-change, physical-movement, reorientation, direction-change, greek-verb​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​