Brief Overview of σπεύδω (Strong’s G4692: speudō)

Strong’s G4692: A verb meaning to hasten, make haste, or earnestly desire. In New Testament usage, it describes both physical hurrying and eager spiritual anticipation, particularly notable in the shepherds’ response to the angelic announcement and Peter’s discussion of anticipating the Lord’s return.

U- Unveiling the Word

Σπεύδω conveys both physical urgency and spiritual eagerness. Its first New Testament appearance describes the shepherds’ immediate response to the angelic announcement of the Messiah’s birth, demonstrating appropriate urgency in seeking Jesus. The word later takes on deeper spiritual significance in 2 Peter 3:12, describing believers’ eager anticipation of the Day of God. The early church saw in this word a model for both immediate response to God’s call and sustained spiritual earnestness. Today, it continues to challenge believers to respond promptly to divine initiatives while maintaining eager anticipation of His promises.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σπεύδω, speudō, /ˈspeu.dɔː/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SPEW-doh”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: σπευδ- (speud-) indicating haste or urgency
• Related to Proto-Indo-European *speud- (“to press, hurry”)
• No prefixes or suffixes in basic form

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: To hasten, hurry
• Secondary meaning: To eagerly desire
• Tertiary meaning: To earnestly pursue

Translation Options:

• Hasten – Most precise for physical movement
• Make haste – More formal, biblical rendering
• Eagerly anticipate – For spiritual contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τρέχω (trechō) /ˈtre.khɔː/ – To run, make progress – See G5143
• διώκω (diōkō) /diˈɔː.kɔː/ – To pursue earnestly – See G1377
• ἐπείγω (epeigō) /eˈpei.gɔː/ – To urge on, hurry – See G1945

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Tense: Present, Imperfect, Aorist
• Voice: Active, Middle
• Mood: Indicative, Participle, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present Active: σπεύδω (speudō)
• Aorist Active: ἔσπευσα (espeusa)
• Present Participle: σπεύδων (speudōn)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes both physical and spiritual applications. Thayer’s notes its use in eager anticipation. LSJ traces its development in classical literature. Vine’s highlights its significance in Christian expectation. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in urgent situations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Luke 2:16: “And they came with haste [σπεύδω] and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.”

Additional References:
Acts 20:16, Acts 22:18, 2 Peter 3:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Σπεύδω captures both the immediate response required when encountering God’s truth and the sustained eagerness in anticipating His promises. Like the shepherds who hastened to find Jesus, we are called to respond promptly to divine revelation while maintaining eager anticipation of His return.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in ancient Greek athletic terminology
• It influenced early Christian teachings about spiritual urgency
• The shepherds’ haste became a model for evangelistic zeal

Strong’s G4692: A verb expressing both physical hurrying and spiritual eagerness, particularly significant in describing appropriate responses to divine revelation and anticipation of God’s promises. Used of both immediate action and sustained spiritual anticipation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: haste, urgency, eagerness, shepherds, nativity, Second Coming, Peter, anticipation, response, readiness​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​