Brief Overview of σταφυλή (Strong’s G4718: staphylē)

Strong’s G4718: A feminine noun referring to a grape or cluster of grapes. In New Testament usage, it appears in Jesus’ teaching about recognizing true and false prophets, emphasizing the principle that good fruit comes from good trees, using the familiar agricultural imagery of vineyards.

U- Unveiling the Word

σταφυλή carries deep cultural and spiritual significance in biblical context. As a common agricultural term in the Mediterranean world, it represents not just the fruit itself but the whole culture of vineyard cultivation. In Jesus’ teaching, it becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual authenticity and fruitfulness. Early church fathers extensively used this imagery to discuss spiritual growth and genuine discipleship. Today, it continues to illustrate the principle that authentic spiritual life produces recognizable good fruit.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σταφυλή, staphylē, sta-foo-LAY
• Detailed pronunciation: sta (as in star) + foo (as in food) + lay (as in lay)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Ancient root word of uncertain origin
• Possibly related to cluster formation
• No prefixes or suffixes in base form

D – Defining Meanings

• Grape (single fruit)
• Cluster of grapes
• Grape harvest
• Vineyard fruit

For compound words:
Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• “Grapes” – general term
• “Cluster of grapes” – emphasizes collective nature
• “Grape harvest” – broader agricultural context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἄμπελος (ampelos) [AM-pel-os] – vine, grapevine – See G288
• βότρυς (botrys) [BOT-roos] – cluster of grapes – See G1009
• καρπός (karpos) [kar-POS] – fruit in general – See G2590

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this noun:

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

Examples:

• Nominative singular: σταφυλή (grape)
• Genitive singular: σταφυλῆς (of a grape)
• Accusative plural: σταφυλάς (grapes)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its agricultural context. Thayer’s notes its common usage in daily life. LSJ documents extensive classical usage. Vine’s connects it to spiritual fruit metaphors. Strong’s highlights its cultural significance. LEH traces Septuagint usage in vineyard contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its use in agricultural documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 7:16: “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes [σταφυλή] from thornbushes or figs from thistles?”

Additional References:
Luke 6:44, Revelation 14:18

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σταφυλή reminds us that genuine spiritual life produces recognizable fruit. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah transforms His followers into fruitful branches connected to His vine. This word challenges us to examine the authenticity of our faith through its visible results in our lives.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears extensively in ancient agricultural contracts
• It was often used metaphorically in Greek poetry for abundance
• Early Christian art frequently used grape imagery to symbolize spiritual fruitfulness

Strong’s G4718: A feminine noun referring to a grape or cluster of grapes. In New Testament usage, it appears in Jesus’ teaching about recognizing true and false prophets, emphasizing the principle that good fruit comes from good trees, using the familiar agricultural imagery of vineyards.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: grapes, fruit, agriculture, vineyard, spiritual-fruit, metaphor, Jesus-teaching, discernment, false-prophets, authentic-faith, farming, harvest, botanical-terms, agricultural-imagery, fruit-bearing​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​