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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in biblical studies is essential for delving deeper into the meanings and contexts of scripture. The Greek word εὐφορέω (euphoréō, Strong’s G2164) is particularly significant because it involves the concept of bearing or bringing forth well. This term can be applied metaphorically to fruitfulness or productivity in various contexts, including spiritual growth or the result of good works. Recognizing the nuances of εὐφορέω enriches our comprehension of New Testament teachings and reveals important aspects of ancient Greek culture regarding prosperity and productivity.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐφορέω (euphoréō) [yoo-foh-REH-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu, meaning “well” or “good”) and φέρω (pherō, meaning “to bear” or “to carry”), suggesting the idea of “bearing well” or “bringing forth fruitfully.”
- Part of Speech: Verb. Second conjugation.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To bear fruit well, to bring forth fruitfully: Refers to the action of producing or yielding something in a prosperous manner.
- To be productive, to prosper: Implies success or productivity, particularly in a metaphorical or spiritual sense.
Similar Words: καρποφορέω (karpophoréō) [kar-po-foh-REH-oh] also means “to bear fruit” but specifically focuses on the act of bearing fruit in a physical or agricultural sense. In contrast, εὐφορέω (euphoréō) emphasizes the quality of the fruit-bearing—doing so well or successfully, and can extend beyond agriculture to other forms of productivity.
Further Insights: As a verb, εὐφορέω follows the patterns of the second conjugation in Greek. The table below provides a simplified conjugation chart for εὐφορέω in the present active indicative:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Person | εὐφορῶ | εὐφοροῦμεν |
| 2nd Person | εὐφορᾷς | εὐφορεῖτε |
| 3rd Person | εὐφορᾷ | εὐφοροῦσι(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines εὐφορέω as “to bear well, to bring forth fruitfully,” highlighting the notion of productivity or success in bearing fruit. It is often used metaphorically in the sense of flourishing in good works or spiritual growth.
- Thayer’s: Describes εὐφορέω as “to bear fruit well,” focusing on the idea of productive and fruitful action. Thayer’s emphasizes its use in both literal and figurative contexts, including moral and spiritual implications.
- Vine’s: Notes that εὐφορέω means “to prosper, to bring forth abundantly,” often used to describe the successful outcome of endeavors or efforts. Vine’s connects the term to themes of spiritual productivity and growth.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon indicates that εὐφορέω was used in classical literature to mean “to be fruitful, to prosper,” reflecting an emphasis on success and positive outcomes in both agricultural and metaphorical senses.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Provides a concise definition of εὐφορέω as “to bear well,” focusing on its application to successful or fruitful actions.
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Related Scripture References
- Luke 12:16 – “And He told them a parable, saying, ‘The land of a rich man was very productive [εὐφόρησεν].'”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | “Nicomachean Ethics” | “Virtue helps a person εὐφορέω (bear well) in all things, both physical and moral.” |
| Theophrastus | “On Plants” | “Certain plants εὐφορέω (prosper) more in shaded areas than in direct sunlight.” |
| Plutarch | “Moralia” | “A city will εὐφορέω (flourish) under wise and just rulers.” |
| Septuagint | “Genesis 41:47” | “And in the seven plenteous years, the earth brought forth [εὐφορέω] by handfuls.” |
| Septuagint | “Psalms 72:16” | “There shall be an abundance (εὐφορέω) of grain in the earth.” |
| Septuagint | “Ezekiel 17:8” | “It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear [εὐφορέω] fruit.” |
Summary of εὐφορέω (G2164: euphoréō)
The Greek word εὐφορέω (euphoréō, Strong’s G2164) is a verb that means to “bear well” or “bring forth fruitfully.” It conveys the concept of productivity and success, whether in a literal sense of agricultural yield or in a metaphorical sense of spiritual growth or moral fruitfulness. Understanding εὐφορέω in biblical studies is valuable because it highlights the importance of productive and fruitful living, which aligns with the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. Its use in both biblical and classical literature reflects a shared cultural appreciation for fruitfulness, prosperity, and positive outcomes in life and work.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the concept of εὐφορέω in ancient Greek culture extended beyond agriculture to include the flourishing of entire cities and societies? A well-managed city was often described as “εὐφορεῖν,” reflecting not just economic prosperity but also moral and social well-being. This idea of holistic flourishing influenced both philosophical thought and practical governance in the ancient world.
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