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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in biblical studies because it provides a richer context for interpreting Scripture. The Greek word καρποφόρος (karpophoros) is particularly significant as it carries the concept of fruit-bearing or being fruitful. This word appears in passages that highlight spiritual growth, productivity, and the visible manifestations of a godly life, making it crucial for understanding New Testament teachings on spiritual maturity and behavior.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: καρποφόρος, transliterated as karpophoros, pronounced [kar-po-FO-ros].
- Etymology: Derived from καρπός (karpos, “fruit”) and φέρω (phero, “to bear” or “to carry”).
- Part of Speech: Adjective; second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Fruit-bearing.
- Productive or fertile.
- Metaphorically, signifying a person or entity that produces good works or positive results.
Similar Words: καρποφορέω (karpophoreō) [kar-po-for-EH-o] means “to bear fruit” and is the verb form describing the action of producing fruit. καρποφόρος (karpophoros) is the adjective form that describes something or someone as being fruitful or capable of bearing fruit.
Further Insights: The adjective καρποφόρος is often used to describe trees, plants, or even individuals metaphorically, signifying their ability to produce beneficial results or outcomes. Below is the declension of καρποφόρος:
| Case | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | καρποφόρος (masc./fem.), καρποφόρον (neut.) | καρποφόροι (masc./fem.), καρποφόρα (neut.) |
| Genitive | καρποφόρου (masc./fem./neut.) | καρποφόρων (masc./fem./neut.) |
| Dative | καρποφόρῳ (masc./fem./neut.) | καρποφόροις (masc./fem./neut.) |
| Accusative | καρποφόρον (masc./fem.), καρποφόρον (neut.) | καρποφόρους (masc./fem.), καρποφόρα (neut.) |
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Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: Defines καρποφόρος primarily as “bearing fruit,” used both literally for trees and metaphorically for people whose lives exhibit good works or spiritual growth.
- Thayers: Expounds on καρποφόρος by emphasizing its metaphorical use in the New Testament to describe the spiritual fruitfulness of believers.
- Vines: Discusses καρποφόρος in the context of the spiritual life, focusing on passages that highlight the importance of living a productive Christian life.
- LSJ: Lists καρποφόρος with references to both agricultural and metaphorical uses, underlining its versatility in Greek literature.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Identifies καρποφόρος as G2593 and provides references to its New Testament occurrences and meanings.
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Related Scripture References
- Colossians 1:10: “So that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit [καρποφόρος] in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text with Greek word |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Genesis 1:22 | “Be fruitful (καρποφόροι) and multiply and fill the waters in the seas…” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 1:3 | “He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, which bears its fruit (καρποφόρος) in its season…” |
| Septuagint | Jeremiah 17:8 | “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, that extends its roots by a stream and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought nor cease to yield fruit (καρποφόρος).” |
Summary of καρποφόρος (G2593)
The adjective καρποφόρος (karpophoros) is pivotal in both literal and metaphorical contexts within the New Testament. It describes both agricultural fruit-bearing and the productive spiritual life of believers. Understanding this word enriches our comprehension of passages that emphasize the evidence of spiritual growth and the importance of producing good works as a sign of a life aligned with God’s will.
Did You Know?
- καρποφόρος is a compound word combining “fruit” and “bearing,” emphasizing its deep-rooted connection to productivity in various contexts.
- The word appears in ancient Greek literature to describe not only plants but also people, indicating their moral or spiritual “fruitfulness.”
- In the Christian context, “bearing fruit” serves as an essential metaphor for living a life that reflects Christ’s teachings and values.
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