Divine Provision: τρέφω (Strong’s G5142: trepho) Reveals Father’s Care

Strong’s G5142: A verb meaning “to nourish,” “to feed,” or “to sustain,” trepho emphasizes God’s providential care. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts highlighting divine provision and parental nurture, demonstrating God’s faithful sustenance of His creation.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρέφω (trepho) carries deep significance in expressing God’s nurturing care for His creation. Beyond its basic meaning of providing food, it encompasses the broader concept of sustaining and nurturing life. In the New Testament, Jesus uses this word to illustrate God’s faithful provision for birds and His even greater care for His children. The early church fathers frequently employed τρέφω when discussing God’s providential care and the church’s responsibility to care for others. Today, this word continues to remind believers of God’s faithful provision and our call to reflect His nurturing nature in caring for others.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρέφω, trepho, TREF-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: τρέ (TREF) + φω (oh)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root word: Proto-Indo-European *dhrebh-
• No prefixes or suffixes
• Basic verb meaning “to make firm, solid”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “to nourish”
• To feed
• To sustain
• To bring up/rear

For compound words: Not applicable as τρέφω is a simple verb

Translation Options:

1. “to nourish” – Most comprehensive meaning
2. “to feed” – Basic physical meaning
3. “to sustain” – Broader supportive meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

βόσκω (bosko) [BOS-ko] – to feed, tend – See G1006
ἐκτρέφω (ektrepho) [ek-TREF-oh] – to nurture fully – See G1625
ψωμίζω (psomizo) [pso-MEE-zo] – to feed by mouth – See G5595

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present/Future/Aorist
• Voice: Active/Passive
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive/Imperative
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective/Perfective

The verb changes form based on usage:

• Present active: τρέφω (I nourish)
• Future: θρέψω (I will nourish)
• Aorist: ἔθρεψα (I nourished)
• Perfect: τέτροφα (I have nourished)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into τρέφω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its broad meaning of sustaining life through nourishment. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from physical feeding to nurturing care. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical Greek for both literal and metaphorical nurture. Vine’s expands on its theological significance, particularly in Jesus’ teachings about God’s care. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common use in family and household contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds [τρέφει] them. Are you not much more valuable than they?” Matthew 6:26

Additional References:
Luke 12:24, Acts 12:20, Revelation 12:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρέφω beautifully captures God’s nurturing care for His creation. From the birds of the air to His beloved children, this word demonstrates the Father’s faithful provision and sustaining love. It reminds us that we serve a God who not only creates but actively sustains and nurtures His creation. Through τρέφω, we see the heart of our heavenly Father who provides for our needs and calls us to trust in His care, while also inspiring us to reflect His nurturing nature in caring for others.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρέφω originally meant “to make thick” or “to congeal”
2. It was used in ancient medical texts for proper nutrition
3. Early Christians used it to describe spiritual nourishment

Strong’s G5142: A verb meaning “to nourish,” “to feed,” or “to sustain,” trepho emphasizes God’s providential care. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts highlighting divine provision and parental nurture, demonstrating God’s faithful sustenance of His creation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: nourish, feed, sustain, provision, care, nurture, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, divine provision, parental care, sustenance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​