Spiritual Harvest: τρυγάω (Strong’s G5166: trugao) Reveals Kingdom Fruit

Strong’s G5166: A verb meaning “to gather in harvest” or “to pluck,” trugao specifically refers to gathering ripe fruit, especially grapes. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly regarding spiritual fruit and divine judgment.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word τρυγάω (trugao) primarily refers to the gathering of ripe fruit, especially during grape harvest. In the New Testament, it appears in Jesus’ teaching about recognizing true and false prophets by their fruit, and in Revelation’s imagery of divine judgment. The word carried deep cultural significance in agricultural society, where grape harvest was a crucial annual event. The early church fathers often used τρυγάω metaphorically when discussing spiritual fruitfulness and divine assessment. Today, this word continues to remind believers about the importance of bearing good spiritual fruit and God’s ultimate harvest of judgment.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τρυγάω, trugao, troo-GAH-oh
• Detailed pronunciation: τρυ (troo) + γά (GAH) + ω (oh)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: τρύγη (truge) meaning “ripe fruit/vintage”
• Suffix: -άω (-ao) forming verb
• Basic meaning: “to harvest fruit”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: “to gather fruit”
• To harvest grapes
• To pluck ripe produce
• To collect vintage

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

Translation Options:

1. “to harvest” – General agricultural meaning
2. “to gather grapes” – Specific viticultural meaning
3. “to pluck” – Basic action meaning

E – Exploring Similar Words

θερίζω (therizo) [theh-REE-zo] – to reap grain – See G2325
συλλέγω (sullego) [sool-LEH-go] – to collect – See G4816
καρποφορέω (karpophoreo) [kar-po-fo-REH-o] – to bear fruit – See G2592

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Tense: Present/Future/Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive/Imperative
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Imperfective/Perfective

The verb changes form based on usage:

• Present: τρυγάω (I harvest)
• Future: τρυγήσω (I will harvest)
• Aorist: ἐτρύγησα (I harvested)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Major lexicons provide rich insight into τρυγάω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its specific connection to grape harvest and metaphorical applications. Thayer’s lexicon traces its development from literal harvest to spiritual imagery. LSJ documents its extensive use in classical Greek agriculture. Vine’s expands on its theological significance in parables and apocalyptic literature. Strong’s confirms its basic meaning while LEH adds valuable context from Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan’s papyrological evidence shows its common use in agricultural contracts and harvest records.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“For each tree is known by its own fruit. People do not pick [τρυγῶσι] figs from thornbushes, or grapes from briers.” Luke 6:44

Additional References:
Revelation 14:18, Revelation 14:19

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word τρυγάω powerfully illustrates both spiritual fruitfulness and divine judgment. From Jesus’ teachings about recognizing true disciples by their fruit to Revelation’s imagery of final harvest, it reminds us that our lives should produce good fruit for God’s kingdom. This promotes the good news by showing that the Messiah enables His people to bear fruit that honors God, while also warning of the coming harvest of judgment for those who reject Him.

D – Did You Know?

1. τρυγάω specifically referred to grape harvest in ancient times
2. It influenced Christian symbols of spiritual productivity
3. The word appears in ancient wine-making documents

Strong’s G5166: A verb meaning “to gather in harvest” or “to pluck,” trugao specifically refers to gathering ripe fruit, especially grapes. In the New Testament, it appears in both literal and metaphorical contexts, particularly regarding spiritual fruit and divine judgment.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: harvest, gathering, fruit, grapes, judgment, spiritual fruit, biblical Greek, New Testament Greek, Koine Greek, agriculture, viticulture, metaphor​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​