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Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial because it reveals the nuances and deeper meanings embedded within the scriptures. The Greek word ζημιόω (zēmioō) is particularly significant as it deals with the concept of loss, damage, or suffering detriment. It is used in the New Testament to express the idea of forfeiture or being harmed in some way, especially in relation to spiritual or material values. Studying this word helps readers grasp the cost of discipleship, spiritual sacrifices, and the contrast between earthly losses and heavenly gains.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ζημιόω, transliterated as zēmioō, pronounced [dzay-mee-OH-oh].
- Etymology: Derived from ζημία (zēmia), meaning “loss” or “damage.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; follows the regular conjugation patterns in Greek.
- A placeholder for “The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.”
Primary Meanings
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- To suffer loss: To experience the detriment or damage of something valuable.
- To forfeit: To surrender or give up something, often voluntarily or under compulsion.
- To damage: To cause harm or injury resulting in loss.
- To be harmed: To experience harm or disadvantage.
Similar Words: ζημιόω (zēmioō) is closely related to ζημία (zēmia), which is the noun form meaning “loss” or “damage.” While ζημία represents the state or result of a loss, ζημιόω is the verb form that describes the action of incurring or causing that loss. Both words share the same root and are used in contexts that emphasize the consequences of decisions leading to spiritual or material forfeiture.
Further Insights: ζημιόω is a verb that typically follows regular conjugation patterns in Koine Greek. It is used in various grammatical forms to indicate action related to loss or damage. Below is a table showing the present active indicative conjugation of ζημιόω:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | ζημιόω | ζημιοῦμεν |
| 2nd | ζημιόεις | ζημιόετε |
| 3rd | ζημιόει | ζημιοῦσιν |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ζημιόω is defined as “to suffer loss” or “to forfeit.” It emphasizes the spiritual or moral implications of loss, especially in Pauline contexts where the apostle discusses the cost of discipleship.
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Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon describes ζημιόω as “to damage, to suffer loss,” often used metaphorically to express the loss of moral or spiritual wealth. The lexicon highlights its use in passages contrasting worldly and spiritual gains.
Vines: ζημιόω is explained as “to injure” or “to suffer loss.” It is noted for its usage in the New Testament in contexts that express the forfeiture of earthly possessions or values in pursuit of greater spiritual wealth.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon defines ζημιόω as “to cause loss” or “to suffer damage,” with applications ranging from physical harm to metaphysical or spiritual detriment.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s provides the meaning “to suffer detriment or loss,” pointing out that ζημιόω often has a negative connotation, highlighting the adverse effects of sin or poor decisions.
Related Scripture References
- Matthew 16:26: “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits (ζημιώθη) his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?”
- Luke 9:25: “For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world, and loses (ζημιωθείς) or forfeits himself?”
- Philippians 3:8: “More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss (ἐζημιώθην) of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Aristotle | “Politics” | “For the sake of avoiding loss (ζημιόω) of wealth, one must avoid excess in spending.” |
| Herodotus | “Histories” | “The city suffered loss (ζημιόω) as a result of the war.” |
| Xenophon | “Anabasis” | “The soldiers, unwilling to suffer loss (ζημιόω), refused to cross the river.” |
Summary of ζημιόω (G2210: zēmioō)
The Greek verb ζημιόω (zēmioō) encapsulates the idea of suffering loss, causing damage, or forfeiting something valuable. In the New Testament, it is predominantly used to illustrate the concept of spiritual loss versus worldly gain, as highlighted in the teachings of Jesus and Paul. Understanding this verb provides insight into the Biblical portrayal of sacrifice, discipleship, and the eternal perspective of losing temporal things to gain something infinitely more valuable. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature also shows its broader application in describing material, social, or even moral losses.
Did You Know?
- The verb ζημιόω is often used in conjunction with discussions about spiritual gains and losses in the New Testament, contrasting earthly possessions with heavenly rewards.
- In Matthew 16:26, ζημιόω is used to rhetorically ask what good it is to gain the world but lose one’s soul, emphasizing the eternal consequences of earthly decisions.
- The concept of ζημιόω extends into classical Greek thought, where it was used to discuss moral and ethical choices, similar to its usage in Biblical contexts.
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