Brief Overview of πηγή (Strong’s G4077: pēgē)

Strong’s G4077: A noun meaning “spring,” “fountain,” or “source.” In biblical contexts, refers to both literal water sources and metaphorically to spiritual life and truth. Often used to symbolize the life-giving power of Christ and the Holy Spirit’s work.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πηγή (pēgē) carries rich physical and spiritual significance. Its primary meaning refers to a natural spring or fountain of water, while metaphorically it represents the source of life, healing, and spiritual refreshment. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal contexts (the woman with the flow of blood) and spiritual imagery (living water). Early church writers developed this imagery to discuss Christ as the source of eternal life and the Spirit’s refreshing presence. Today, it continues to symbolize the inexhaustible source of divine life and grace available in Christ.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πηγή, pēgē, pay-gay’
• Detailed pronunciation: pay (as in “pay”) + gay (as in “gay”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:
From Proto-Indo-European *bhog- meaning “running water”

D – Defining Meanings

• Spring
• Fountain
• Source
• Wellspring
• Origin point

Translation Options:

1. Spring – emphasizes natural source
2. Fountain – highlights flowing aspect
3. Source – captures broader metaphorical use

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κρήνη (krēnē) [kray’-nay] – fountain, artificial source
• ὕδωρ (hydōr) [hoo’-dore] – water, general term
• φρέαρ (phrear) [freh’-ar] – well, cistern

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

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

Example forms:
Nominative singular: πηγή
Genitive singular: πηγῆς
Dative plural: πηγαῖς

Cross-references:

• Related verbs: πηγάζω (to gush forth)
• Compound forms: ἀναπηγή (upspringing)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its connection to life-giving properties. LSJ documents various classical applications. Vine’s connects it to spiritual refreshment. Strong’s highlights its source nature. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in water rights documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“And immediately the fountain [πηγή] of her blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.” (Mark 5:29)

Additional References:
John 4:6
John 4:14
James 3:11
2 Peter 2:17
Revelation 7:17
Revelation 8:10
Revelation 14:7
Revelation 16:4
Revelation 21:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πηγή powerfully illustrates the life-giving nature of Christ and His Spirit. The good news of King Jesus is that He is the eternal spring of living water, offering endless refreshment and life to all who come to Him. This word reminds us that in Christ we find an inexhaustible source of spiritual life, healing, and renewal.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient Greek cities were often built near natural springs (πηγαί).
2. Early Christian baptisteries were called πηγαί symbolizing new life.
3. The word influenced medical terminology for describing bodily functions.

Strong’s G4077: A noun denoting a spring or fountain, used both literally and metaphorically. In biblical contexts, symbolizes sources of physical healing and spiritual life, particularly representing Christ’s life-giving power and the Spirit’s work.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #spring #fountain #source #life #healing #water #Christ #Spirit #renewal #NewTestament #BiblicalGreek #Theology #livingWater​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​