Brief Overview of σπένδω (Strong’s G4689: spendō)

Strong’s G4689: A verb meaning to pour out as a drink offering or libation. In New Testament usage, it metaphorically describes sacrificial service to God, particularly Paul’s willingness to be “poured out” as an offering in service to the Messiah and His people.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπένδω carries deep sacrificial significance, originating from ancient religious practices of pouring out wine or oil as offerings. In Pauline usage, it becomes a powerful metaphor for complete dedication to God’s service. The apostle applies this ceremonial term to describe his own ministry as a sacrificial offering poured out for others’ faith. The early church saw this as a model of complete consecration to God’s service. Today, it continues to challenge believers to view their lives and service as offerings poured out for God’s glory.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπένδω, spendō, /ˈspen.dɔː/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SPEN-doh”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σπένδ- (spend-) related to libation
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *spend- (“to make an offering”)
• Connected to Latin spondeo (“to pledge”)

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To pour out as a libation
• Secondary meaning: To make a drink offering
• Metaphorical meaning: To offer oneself sacrificially

Translation Options:

• Pour out as an offering – Most precise ritual meaning
• Make a libation – Technical ceremonial term
• Offer as a sacrifice – Metaphorical application

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θύω (thuō) /ˈthy.ɔː/ – To sacrifice, slaughter for offering – See G2380
• προσφέρω (prospherō) /prosˈphe.rɔː/ – To offer, present – See G4374
• λειτουργέω (leitourgeō) /lei.turˈge.ɔː/ – To perform sacred service – See G3008

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present Active: σπένδω (spendō)
• Aorist Passive: ἐσπένδην (espendēn)
• Perfect: ἔσπεικα (espeika)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ritual origins and metaphorical application. Thayer’s notes its significance in pagan and Jewish worship. LSJ traces its use in classical religious contexts. Vine’s highlights Paul’s metaphorical application. Moulton and Milligan document its continued use in religious contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Philippians 2:17: “Yes, and if I am being poured out [σπένδω] as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.”

Additional References:
2 Timothy 4:6

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπένδω beautifully illustrates the complete dedication required in serving the Messiah. Paul’s use of this sacrificial term reminds us that true discipleship involves pouring out our lives as offerings to God. Just as Jesus poured out His life for us, we are called to pour out our lives in service to Him and others.

D – Did You Know?

• Libations were a common part of both Jewish and Greco-Roman worship
• The term influenced modern words related to sponsorship
• Early Christians adapted this pagan ritual term to describe martyrdom

Strong’s G4689: A verb describing the act of pouring out a drink offering, used metaphorically in the New Testament to represent complete dedication and sacrificial service to God, particularly in Paul’s description of his ministry as being “poured out” for others.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: sacrifice, offering, libation, Paul, ministry, dedication, service, Philippians, Timothy, worship​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​