Brief Overview of σπερμολόγος (Strong’s G4691: spermologos)

Strong’s G4691: A compound noun literally meaning “seed-picker,” referring to birds that pick up scattered seeds. Figuratively used as a derogatory term for one who picks up scraps of knowledge and repeats them without real understanding, particularly applied to intellectual dilettantes.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπερμολόγος originated as a description of birds picking up scattered seeds but evolved into a pointed critique of superficial intellectualism. In Acts 17:18, Athenian philosophers use it to dismiss Paul’s teaching, ironically revealing their own intellectual pride while missing the profound truth of the Gospel. The early church saw in this term the contrast between worldly wisdom and divine truth. Today, it reminds us that the Gospel’s depth often appears foolish to those relying on human wisdom alone.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπερμολόγος, spermologos, /spermoˈlo.gos/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sper-mo-LO-gos”
• Part of Speech: Masculine Noun/Adjective

Etymology:

• Compound word from:
• σπέρμα (sperma) – “seed”
• λέγω (legō) – “to gather”
• Suffix: -ος (-os) nominal ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Seed-picker (bird)
• Secondary meaning: One who picks up scraps of knowledge
• Derogatory meaning: Intellectual parasite

For compound words:

• σπέρμα contributes the notion of scattered bits
• λέγω adds the action of gathering or collecting

Translation Options:

• Babbler – Common English translation capturing the derogatory sense
• Scavenger of ideas – More literal rendering
• Pseudo-intellectual – Modern equivalent meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φλύαρος (phluaros) /ˈfly.a.ros/ – Babbler, foolish talker – See G5397
• μωρός (mōros) /mɔːˈros/ – Foolish, without understanding – See G3474
• ἄφρων (aphrōn) /ˈa.phrɔːn/ – Foolish, without reason – See G878

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: σπερμολόγος (spermologos)
• Accusative: σπερμολόγον (spermologon)
• Genitive: σπερμολόγου (spermologou)
• Plural: σπερμολόγοι (spermologoi)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its evolution from literal to metaphorical usage. Thayer’s notes its particularly Athenian usage. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use as social critique. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in Acts. Moulton and Milligan discuss its cultural significance in educated discourse.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 17:18: “Then certain Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. And some said, ‘What does this babbler [σπερμολόγος] want to say?’ Others said, ‘He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods.'”

Additional References:
This word appears only once in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπερμολόγος reminds us that the wisdom of God often appears foolish to human intellect. Paul’s encounter with the Athenian philosophers demonstrates how the Gospel transcends human wisdom, calling us to embrace the seemingly foolish message of the cross that contains God’s true wisdom.

D – Did You Know?

• The term became a common Athenian slang for superficial intellectuals
• It influenced later Christian discussions about the relationship between faith and reason
• The word appears in modern Greek meaning “gossipmonger”

Strong’s G4691: A compound noun combining “seed” and “gather,” originally describing birds picking seeds, later used metaphorically as a derogatory term for those who pick up scraps of knowledge without true understanding. Used by Athenian philosophers to dismiss Paul’s teaching.

Part of speech: Masculine Noun/Adjective

Tags: wisdom, philosophy, Athens, Paul, Acts, intellectuals, criticism, knowledge, education, apologetics​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​