Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital for Biblical studies, as it uncovers the deeper meanings and contexts behind the original texts. The Greek word ἐντρέφω (entrephō) is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of nurturing, feeding, or rearing. This term, used in both literal and metaphorical senses, relates to nourishment, upbringing, and education. In the New Testament, ἐντρέφω is often associated with the spiritual and moral upbringing of believers, emphasizing the importance of proper “feeding” or teaching in the faith. Exploring this word offers insights into how early Christians understood the process of growth and development in their spiritual lives.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἐντρέφω (entrephō) [en-TRE-foh]
• Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) + τρέφω (trephō, “to feed” or “to nourish”), combining to mean “to nourish within” or “to rear up.”
• Part of Speech: Verb. It follows regular Greek verb conjugation patterns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Nourish — to feed or provide with sustenance.
• To Rear — to bring up, educate, or cultivate, especially in a nurturing environment.
• To Train — to instruct or discipline in a specific way, emphasizing moral or intellectual development.

Similar Words: παιδεύω (paideuō) [pie-DEH-o], which means “to train” or “to discipline,” focuses more on education through correction and instruction rather than physical nourishment. τρέφω (trephō) [TRE-foh], meaning “to feed” or “to sustain,” generally applies to physical feeding but can also imply a broader sense of caring and nurturing.

Further Insights: ἐντρέφω is a compound verb that emphasizes the internal aspect of nurturing or upbringing. It often appears in contexts where moral or spiritual development is the focus, suggesting more than mere physical feeding but rather an all-encompassing care that includes teaching and guiding. The verb has an active form that can imply direct action in rearing or educating someone.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: ἐντρέφω is defined as “to nourish” or “to bring up,” highlighting its use in contexts where physical feeding and moral or educational upbringing are intertwined. It appears in discussions about the nurturing of children or disciples.

Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἐντρέφω as “to bring up” or “to nourish,” focusing on the care involved in rearing children or developing a person spiritually or morally. It notes that this verb encompasses both physical nourishment and educational guidance.

Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary explains ἐντρέφω as “to feed” or “to rear,” noting that it is often used metaphorically to describe the process of nurturing someone spiritually or intellectually. It emphasizes the holistic development that comes from both feeding and teaching.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides a broad definition of ἐντρέφω as “to nourish” or “to train,” mentioning its usage in classical literature to describe the upbringing of children or the development of virtues.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance lists ἐντρέφω as “to feed” or “to rear,” indicating its application in contexts where both physical nourishment and moral or educational development are involved.

Scripture References

• Ephesians 6:4 – “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up (ἐκτρέφετε) in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐντρέφω (G1789: entrephō)

ἐντρέφω (entrephō) is a Greek verb meaning “to nourish,” “to rear,” or “to train.” It is significant in Biblical studies and classical literature for its application in contexts of nurturing and upbringing. This word goes beyond mere physical feeding to encompass the holistic development of a person, including moral, intellectual, and spiritual growth. In the New Testament, ἐντρέφω emphasizes the importance of raising children and disciples in a nurturing environment that promotes both physical and spiritual well-being, making it a key term for understanding early Christian teachings on family and community life.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, the concept of ἐντρέφω extended beyond the simple act of feeding. It involved a holistic approach to upbringing that included education, moral guidance, and even physical training. In this sense, ἐντρέφω was considered essential for developing both the body and the soul. This idea resonates with early Christian teachings, where nurturing in faith also meant providing spiritual “food” through scripture and community practices, demonstrating the layered meanings and applications of this term.