Brief Overview of ποτίζω (Strong’s G4222: potizō)

Strong’s G4222: A verb meaning “to give drink to,” “to water,” or “to irrigate.” Used both literally for providing drink and metaphorically for spiritual nourishment. In New Testament contexts, ranges from acts of basic kindness to spiritual feeding, particularly significant in Paul’s ministry metaphors.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ποτίζω represents the act of providing drink or nourishment to others. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from simple acts of mercy (giving water to the thirsty) to spiritual nurturing (Paul’s metaphor of feeding with milk). Early church writers expanded its usage to describe sacramental ministry and spiritual formation. Today, it continues to illustrate both physical ministry and spiritual nurture, emphasizing the connection between practical service and spiritual care.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ποτίζω, potizō, po-TID-zo
• Detailed pronunciation: poh-TID-zoh (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• From πότος (drinking)
• Related to πίνω (to drink)
• -ιζω (-izō) causative verbal suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• To give drink
• To water (plants)
• To provide liquid nourishment

Translation Options:

• “To give drink to” – direct action
• “To water” – agricultural context
• “To nourish with drink” – nurturing emphasis

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποτίζομαι (potizomai, po-TID-zo-mai) – to be given drink – See G4222
• πίνω (pinō, PEE-no) – to drink – See G4095
• βρέχω (brechō, BREH-kho) – to wet, rain – See G1026

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person and Number: All forms

Example conjugations:

• Present Active: ποτίζω (I give drink)
• Aorist Active: ἐπότισα (I gave drink)
• Future Active: ποτίσω (I will give drink)

Cross-references:

• Related noun: πότος (drinking)
• Related adjective: ποτιστός (drinkable)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its use in Christian service contexts. LSJ documents agricultural applications. Vine’s highlights spiritual nurture aspects. Strong’s connects it to ministry. LEH notes Septuagint usage in both contexts. Moulton and Milligan cite agricultural papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 10:42: “And whosoever shall [ποτίζω] give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”

Additional References:
Matthew 25:35
Mark 9:41
Romans 12:20
1 Corinthians 3:2
1 Corinthians 3:6-8

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ποτίζω beautifully illustrates how simple acts of service reflect divine care. From giving water to the thirsty to providing spiritual nourishment, it reminds us that ministry involves both physical and spiritual care. This word proclaims that in Christ, every act of service can become a channel of God’s nurturing grace.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient agricultural manuals used this term for irrigation techniques.
2. Early baptismal liturgies employed this word.
3. The term influenced development of pastoral care terminology.

Strong’s G4222: A verb meaning “to give drink to,” “to water,” or “to irrigate.” Used both literally for providing drink and metaphorically for spiritual nourishment. In New Testament contexts, ranges from acts of basic kindness to spiritual feeding.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: drink, nurture, service, ministry, spiritual feeding, mercy, agriculture, pastoral care, discipleship, basic needs​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​