G3514

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word νήθω (nēthō) plays a unique role in the New Testament, occurring in Matthew 6:28, where Jesus refers to the lilies of the field, stating that they do not labor or spin (nēthō), yet they are clothed more gloriously than Solomon. Understanding this term is essential in comprehending the cultural and economic background of the ancient world, where spinning thread and making fabric were vital tasks, particularly for women in domestic settings. It offers valuable insights into both the practical aspects of life in the time of Jesus and the symbolic lessons that Jesus drew from everyday activities.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Νήθω (nēthō), pronounced nay-thoh.

Etymology: The word derives from a Greek verb meaning “to spin” or “to twist fibers into thread.” This concept was central to household production in ancient times, especially among women who would weave and create garments by spinning wool or flax into yarn.

Part of Speech: Νήθω (nēthō) is a verb. In Biblical Greek, verbs like nēthō indicate actions, and this specific term relates to the action of creating thread or yarn through spinning. It is used in the present tense in the New Testament, conveying an ongoing action in context.

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Defining Meanings

1. To Spin Thread or Yarn: The primary meaning of nēthō is the literal act of spinning fibers into thread, an essential task in ancient homes for making clothing and textiles. In Matthew 6:28, this verb highlights how the lilies of the field do not engage in this labor, yet they are beautifully clothed by God’s provision.

2. Symbolic Use of Human Labor: By extension, nēthō is used symbolically in Biblical contexts to emphasize human efforts in contrast to divine provision. In Matthew 6:28, the message is that human work, such as spinning, does not compare to God’s ability to provide and beautify.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Κοπιάω (kopiaō) [ko-pee-ah-oh]: Meaning “to toil” or “to labor,” kopiaō is a broader term for work or hard labor. While nēthō is specific to spinning, kopiaō refers to labor in a general sense.

2. Πλέκω (plekō) [ple-ko]: Meaning “to weave” or “to braid,” plekō relates to textile production, specifically the weaving of fabrics or the braiding of materials, which would follow the spinning process.

3. Εργάζομαι (ergazomai) [er-ga-zo-mai]: Another verb meaning “to work” or “to do work,” ergazomai is used more broadly to refer to any productive activity, whereas nēthō is specific to spinning thread.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: In Matthew 6:28, νήθω is in the present indicative active form, emphasizing an ongoing action, as Jesus describes the lilies that do not engage in continuous labor or spinning of thread.

Person and Number: The verb is in the third person plural form, referring to the lilies of the field in a collective sense.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

In the lexicons, nēthō consistently appears with the meaning of spinning thread, which was a common household task in the ancient world. The word also highlights the divide between human labor and divine provision, which is particularly relevant in the context of Jesus’ teachings about not worrying over earthly needs. Various sources suggest that nēthō emphasizes the simplicity and effortlessness of nature, in contrast to the toil of human hands. It is rarely used in the New Testament but carries strong symbolic weight in illustrating a broader theological point.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 6:28: “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin [νήθω].”

2. Luke 12:27: “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin [νήθω].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Homer Odyssey “She spun [νήθω] fine thread for the loom.”

Herodotus Histories “The women spin [νήθω] as part of their daily labor.”

Plato Laws “Let her spin [νήθω] wool to clothe her family.”

Noteworthy Summary

Νήθω (nēthō) is a verb that means “to spin thread,” a task essential to life in the ancient world. It symbolizes both the mundane activities of daily living and the deeper theological implications of human effort versus divine care. In Matthew 6:28, Jesus uses this term to illustrate the idea that God’s provision is far greater than the efforts humans can make on their own, encouraging believers not to worry about material needs. The simplicity of the verb contrasts with the profound message of trust in divine care.

Did You Know?

1. In ancient Greece, spinning was predominantly a task for women and was central to domestic life.

2. The act of spinning thread was so ingrained in ancient culture that it became a metaphor for creation, destiny, and the passage of time.

3. Jesus’ use of νήθω in Matthew 6:28 is one of the rare times this word appears in the New Testament, making it a unique symbol in His teachings.