Brief Overview of στέγω (Strong’s G4722: stegō)

Strong’s G4722: A verb meaning “to cover closely, to bear up under, to endure.” In New Testament usage, it primarily conveys the idea of patient endurance and forbearance, particularly in contexts of Christian ministry and love’s capacity to endure all things.

U- Unveiling the Word

στέγω evolved from its basic meaning of “to cover” or “to protect” to encompass the broader concept of endurance and forbearance. In the New Testament, Paul uses it to describe both the physical hardships of ministry and love’s capacity to bear all things. The word suggests not mere passive tolerance but active containment and protection. Early church fathers emphasized this word when discussing Christian perseverance and love’s enduring quality. Today, it continues to teach us about the sustaining power of Christian love and the importance of patient endurance in ministry.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: στέγω, stegō, STEH-go
• Detailed pronunciation: st (as in stand) + eh (as in bet) + go (as in goal)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb related to στέγη (roof)
• No prefixes or suffixes in base form
• Connected to concept of covering/protecting

D – Defining Meanings

• To cover closely
• To protect by covering
• To endure patiently
• To bear up under
• To contain without leaking

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

Translation Options:

• “To endure” – emphasizes patient bearing
• “To cover” – reflects original meaning
• “To bear up under” – combines protection and endurance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑπομένω (hypomenō) [hoo-po-MEN-o] – to remain under, endure – See G5278
• καλύπτω (kalyptō) [ka-LUP-to] – to cover – See G2572
• βαστάζω (bastazō) [bas-TAD-zo] – to bear, carry – See G941

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For this verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Infinitive
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural

Examples:

• Present active: στέγω (I endure)
• Future active: στέξω (I will endure)
• Aorist active: ἔστεξα (I endured)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its meaning of patient endurance. Thayer’s traces development from covering to enduring. LSJ documents usage in containing/holding back. Vine’s highlights its use in Christian love. Strong’s connects it to protective covering. LEH notes Septuagint usage patterns. Moulton and Milligan show metaphorical development.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 Corinthians 9:12: “If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more? Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure [στέγω] all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ.”

Additional References:
1 Corinthians 13:7, 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 1 Thessalonians 3:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

στέγω illustrates the enduring nature of Christian love and ministry. It proclaims the good news that the Messiah’s love enables us to bear all things. This word challenges us to demonstrate love not merely through feelings but through patient endurance and protective covering of others.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used in shipbuilding for waterproof sealing
• Early Christians used it to describe martyrs’ endurance
• It appears in ancient medical texts describing containment of fluids

Strong’s G4722: A verb meaning “to cover closely, to bear up under, to endure.” In New Testament usage, it primarily conveys the idea of patient endurance and forbearance, particularly in contexts of Christian ministry and love’s capacity to endure all things.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: endurance, patience, forbearance, love, ministry, covering, protection, perseverance, Christian-character, suffering, hardship, containment, Pauls-ministry, love-characteristics, spiritual-endurance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​