Sacred Nurture: τεκνοτροφέω (Strong’s G5044: teknotropheō) Shapes Godly Heritage

Strong’s G5044: A compound verb combining “child” (τέκνον) and “to nourish” (τρέφω), meaning to raise or nurture children. Used in pastoral contexts to describe the godly upbringing of children as a qualification for Christian service, emphasizing both physical care and spiritual formation.

U – Unveiling the Word

τεκνοτροφέω represents the comprehensive task of raising children in a godly manner. This compound word combines the intimacy of τέκνον (child) with τρέφω (to nourish), creating a term that encompasses both physical nurture and spiritual formation. In 1 Timothy 5:10, it appears as one of the qualifications for widows receiving church support, highlighting the importance of motherhood in early Christian communities. The early church understood this term as describing more than mere physical provision; it represented the sacred duty of raising children in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Today, this word continues to challenge and inspire Christian parents to embrace their role as spiritual nurturers.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τεκνοτροφέω, teknotropheō, tek-not-rof-eh’-o
• Phonetic Guide: tek (as in “tech”) + no (as in “know”) + trof (as in “trophy”) + eh + o
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• τέκνον (teknon) – child
• τρέφω (trephō) – to nourish, feed, bring up
• -έω (-eō) – verb ending indicating continuous action

D – Defining Meanings

• To raise children
• To nurture offspring
• To bring up children in a godly manner

For compound words:

• τέκνον provides the focus on children as the recipients of care
• τρέφω adds the aspect of nourishing and nurturing
• -έω suffix indicates ongoing action

Translation Options:

• “to bring up children” – emphasizes the complete process of raising children
• “to nurture children” – highlights the caring aspect
• “to raise a family” – captures the broader familial context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τεκνογονέω (teknogoneō) – to bear children See G5041
• παιδεύω (paideuō) – to train, educate See G3811
• ἐκτρέφω (ektrephō) – to nurture, nourish See G1625

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Verbal Features:

• Tense: Present (continuous action)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Infinitive, Participle
• Person: All persons
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Linear

The word appears in different forms:

• Present Active: τεκνοτροφῶ (I raise children)
• Aorist: ἐτεκνοτρόφησα (I raised children)
• Perfect: τετεκνοτρόφηκα (I have raised children)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG presents τεκνοτροφέω as encompassing both physical and spiritual aspects of child-rearing, while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to Christian service qualifications. LSJ notes its rare usage in classical Greek, indicating its specialized meaning in Christian contexts. Vine’s connects it to the broader concept of household management, while Strong’s emphasizes its compound nature. Moulton and Milligan observe its usage in papyri describing family responsibilities. The lexical evidence suggests this term was carefully chosen to express the sacred duty of raising children in a manner consistent with Christian faith and practice.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“having a reputation for good works; if she has brought up children [τεκνοτρόφησεν], if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.” 1 Timothy 5:10

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

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τεκνοτροφέω represents the sacred calling of nurturing the next generation in godly wisdom. Its appearance in 1 Timothy 5:10 elevates child-rearing to a spiritual service worthy of church recognition. This word reminds us that raising children is not merely about physical provision but about cultivating faith in young hearts. It points to the Messiah’s own care for His spiritual children and challenges parents to mirror His nurturing love in their families.

D – Did You Know?

• τεκνοτροφέω is part of a qualification list for widows seeking church support
• The word appears in ancient papyri discussing inheritance rights
• Early church fathers used this term to describe Mary’s role in raising Jesus

Strong’s G5044: A compound verb combining “child” (τέκνον) and “to nourish” (τρέφω), meaning to raise or nurture children. Used in pastoral contexts to describe the godly upbringing of children as a qualification for Christian service, emphasizing both physical care and spiritual formation.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: parenting, nurture, children, family, pastoral-epistles, widows, motherhood, child-rearing, spiritual-formation, good-works​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​