Brief Overview of ῥίζα (Strong’s G4491: rhiza)

Strong’s G4491: A feminine noun primarily meaning “root,” both literally of plants and metaphorically of origin, source, or foundation. In New Testament usage, it carries rich theological significance, representing spiritual foundation, ancestry (especially Christ as the Root of David), and the source of spiritual life or death.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ῥίζα serves as a powerful metaphor throughout Scripture, representing both literal roots and deeper spiritual truths. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from John the Baptist’s warning about judgment to Jesus as the Root of David. Early church fathers extensively used this imagery to discuss spiritual growth, divine judgment, and Christ’s messianic identity. Today, it continues to illustrate essential truths about spiritual foundation, growth, and the necessity of being rooted in Christ.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ῥίζα, rhiza, /hrid-zah/
• Detailed pronunciation: HRID-zah (with emphasis on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Proto-Indo-European root *wrad- (branch, root)
• Related to Latin radix
• Primary noun without prefixes or suffixes
• Forms basis for many compound words

D – Defining Meanings

• The root of a plant
• Origin or source
• Foundation or basis
• Ancestral lineage

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but serves as a root for compounds.

Translation Options:

• “root” – basic physical and metaphorical meaning
• “source” – emphasizing origin or cause
• “foundation” – highlighting fundamental nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ῥιζόω (rhizoō) /hrid-zo-oh/ – to cause to take root, establish
  See G4492
• θεμέλιον (themelion) /them-el-ee-on/ – foundation
  See G2310

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Example forms:

• Nominative singular: ῥίζα
• Genitive singular: ῥίζης
• Dative singular: ῥίζῃ
• Accusative singular: ῥίζαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both literal and metaphorical uses. Thayer’s notes its importance in spiritual imagery. LSJ provides extensive examples from classical literature. Vine’s highlights its messianic significance. Strong’s connects it to foundational concepts. Moulton and Milligan document its agricultural usage in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Even now the axe is laid to the [ῥίζα] root of the trees. Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10

Additional References:
Mark 4:6
Mark 11:20
Luke 3:9
Romans 11:16
Romans 15:12
1 Timothy 6:10
Hebrews 12:15
Revelation 5:5
Revelation 22:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ῥίζα powerfully illustrates fundamental spiritual truths about our relationship with Christ. As the Root of David, Jesus is both the source and fulfillment of God’s promises. This word proclaims the good news that in King Jesus we find our true foundation, source of life, and means of growth. Being rooted in Him ensures spiritual vitality and fruitfulness.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word gives us the English prefix “rhizo-” used in scientific terms.
2. Ancient Greek medical writers used this term for medicinal root preparations.
3. The metaphor of Christ as the Root appears uniquely in Revelation, emphasizing both His divine origin and human lineage.

Strong’s G4491: A feminine noun primarily meaning “root,” both literally of plants and metaphorically of origin, source, or foundation. In New Testament usage, it carries rich theological significance, representing spiritual foundation, ancestry (especially Christ as the Root of David), and the source of spiritual life or death.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: root, foundation, origin, Christ, David’s root, spiritual growth, judgment, fruitfulness, source, ancestry, plant imagery, metaphor​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​