Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is vital for unlocking the depth and subtleties of the original New Testament texts. The Greek word ἔχω (echo, Strong’s G2192) is particularly significant because it is one of the most frequently used verbs in the New Testament. Meaning “to have” or “to hold,” this verb is fundamental to understanding many passages and theological concepts. It appears in various contexts, from possession to states of being, making it a versatile and essential term for both translators and scholars seeking to grasp the nuances of ancient Greek culture and biblical interpretation.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἔχω (echo) [EH-kho]
• Etymology: Related to the Proto-Indo-European root segh-, meaning “to hold” or “to possess.”
• Part of Speech: Verb; primary verb.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Have: Denotes possession, ownership, or control over something (e.g., “He has faith”).
• To Hold: Can imply holding a physical object or holding a position or opinion.
• To Be: In certain contexts, it indicates a state of being or condition (e.g., “He is well”).
• To Possess Qualities: Describes having qualities or characteristics (e.g., “He has courage”).
• To Experience or Feel: Used to convey states of mind or emotions (e.g., “He has joy”).

Similar Words: κατέχω (katecho) [ka-TE-kho], which means “to hold back” or “to restrain.” While ἔχω generally implies possession or having, κατέχω involves a more active sense of holding or restraining something, often with force or control.

Further Insights: ἔχω is a primary verb in Greek, frequently appearing in various forms and tenses. It is highly versatile and often accompanied by different prepositions that modify its meaning. Below is a basic conjugation table of the verb in the present tense:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines ἔχω as “to have” or “to possess,” covering a broad range of meanings, including physical possession, mental states, and relationships. It is a flexible verb that adapts to its context, making it one of the most frequently encountered verbs in the New Testament.
• Thayer’s: Emphasizes ἔχω as a fundamental verb for “having” or “holding,” often in relation to ownership or possession. Thayer also highlights its idiomatic uses, where the meaning can extend to emotions, states of being, or even promises.
• Vine’s: Discusses ἔχω in relation to its theological implications, noting how it is used in expressions of faith (“having faith”) or spiritual possession (“having the Spirit”). Vine’s underscores its importance in understanding Christian doctrine and daily life expressions in the New Testament.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a comprehensive list of classical uses of ἔχω, from simple possession to more complex idioms and metaphors. It points out how the verb is foundational in ancient Greek, illustrating its flexibility and adaptability in different genres of Greek literature.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἔχω as a primary verb meaning “to hold” or “to possess.” Strong’s focuses on its various usages in the New Testament, noting that it appears nearly 700 times, making it one of the most prevalent verbs in the biblical text.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 5:3 – “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is [ἔστιν] the kingdom of heaven.”
• Mark 4:25 – “For whoever has [ἔχει], to him more shall be given; and whoever does not have [ἔχει], even what he has shall be taken away from him.”
• John 3:36 – “He who believes in the Son has [ἔχει] eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him.”
• Romans 8:9 – “However, you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if anyone does not have [ἔχει] the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him.”
• Philippians 1:23 – “But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having [ἔχων] the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἔχω (G2192: echo)

The Greek word ἔχω (echo, Strong’s G2192) is a primary verb that is central to both the Greek language and biblical literature. With meanings ranging from “to have” and “to hold” to more abstract concepts like “to experience” or “to be,” ἔχω’s flexibility and frequency in the New Testament make it a critical word for understanding key theological and ethical teachings. The term’s wide range of applications—possessing qualities, experiencing emotions, holding beliefs, and more—demonstrates its importance in both everyday language and profound spiritual discussions. Its extensive use in classical literature also highlights its foundational role in Greek thought and expression.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the Greek word ἔχω (echo) is one of the most common verbs in the New Testament, appearing nearly 700 times? Its frequent use underscores its importance in conveying foundational Christian concepts, from “having faith” to “possessing eternal life.” This word also has rich classical roots, connecting biblical texts to broader Greek literature and philosophy, where it often signifies possession, being, and existence.