G2116
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the nuances of Scripture and the cultural contexts in which these words were used. The Greek word εὐθύνω (euthynō), meaning “to make straight” or “to guide,” holds significant importance in both the New Testament and ancient Greek literature. It is particularly relevant in the context of spiritual and moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of straightening one’s path or direction.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐθύνω (euthynō) [yoo-THOO-no]
- Etymology: Derived from εὐθύς (euthys), meaning “straight” or “direct.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; present active indicative.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- To make straight: Refers to the act of straightening something that is bent or crooked.
- To guide: Used in a figurative sense to mean directing someone’s path or actions.
- To set right: Indicates correcting or reforming something to align with a standard or truth.
Similar Words: κατευθύνω (kateuthynō) [ka-tey-THOO-no], meaning “to guide” or “to direct.” While εὐθύνω generally refers to the act of making something straight or setting it right, κατευθύνω emphasizes directing or guiding towards a specific goal or end.
Further Insights: εὐθύνω is a verb formed from the adjective εὐθύς (straight). The verb is primarily used in its active form, suggesting an action to make something straight or right. The verb’s usage in various Greek texts implies both a literal and metaphorical application. Below is a table showing the conjugation of εὐθύνω in the present tense.
| Tense | Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| Present | 1st | εὐθύνω (euthynō) | εὐθύνομεν (euthynomen) |
| Present | 2nd | εὐθύνεις (euthyneis) | εὐθύνετε (euthynete) |
| Present | 3rd | εὐθύνει (euthynei) | εὐθύνουσι(ν) (euthynousi(n)) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: εὐθύνω is defined as “to make straight, guide, or direct,” particularly in moral or ethical contexts, where it implies correcting or setting someone on a straight path.
Thayer’s: εὐθύνω is described as “to straighten, guide, or lead,” often used metaphorically for leading a person to righteousness or correcting one’s course.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὐθύνω translates as “to make straight or to direct,” emphasizing moral guidance and correction.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): εὐθύνω means “to make straight” or “to guide,” used in various contexts, from literal straightening to moral or philosophical direction.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐθύνω (G2116) is defined as “to make straight” or “to steer.” It is derived from εὐθύς (straight) and emphasizes both the literal and figurative actions of straightening or guiding.
Related Scripture References
- James 1:8: “A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Draw near to God, and He will make straight (εὐθύνει) your paths.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “It is the role of the wise to make straight (εὐθύνει) the paths of virtue.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “He sought to straighten (εὐθύνειν) the course of the river.” |
| Septuagint (LXX) | Isaiah 40:3 | “Prepare the way of the Lord; make straight (εὐθύνατε) in the desert a highway for our God.” |
Summary of εὐθύνω (G2116)
εὐθύνω (euthynō) is a Greek verb meaning “to make straight,” “to guide,” or “to set right.” Derived from εὐθύς (straight), it has both literal and metaphorical applications, encompassing the act of correcting, guiding, or aligning something with a proper path or standard. The word appears in the New Testament and classical Greek literature, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical direction. Its use in Biblical texts often relates to spiritual guidance, urging believers to follow a righteous path.
Did You Know?
Did you know that εὐθύνω was often used in ancient Greek texts to describe the work of leaders and philosophers who aimed to “straighten” the morals and actions of their followers or students? This term, rich with metaphorical meaning, conveys the concept of guiding one’s life towards truth and virtue, a principle that remains relevant in both ancient philosophy and modern spiritual teachings.