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Introduction
In the study of New Testament Greek, certain words carry profound theological implications and cultural significance. One such word is ἔμφυτος (emphytos), meaning “implanted” or “inborn.” This term appears in the context of spiritual growth and the internalization of divine principles, making it particularly important for understanding the dynamics of faith in early Christian thought. The word’s usage reflects the ancient Greek understanding of what is innate or cultivated within an individual, tying into broader discussions of virtue, character, and moral development. Its relevance extends beyond New Testament interpretation, offering insights into how the ancients perceived the process of personal and spiritual transformation.
Key Information
- Greek Word: ἔμφυτος (emphytos) [EM-phoo-tos]
- Etymology: Derived from ἐν (en, “in”) and φυτεύω (phyteuo, “to plant”). The word literally means “implanted” or “inborn.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective (second declension)
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon
Primary Meanings
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- Implanted: Refers to something that has been planted within, often metaphorically used to describe qualities or principles that are deeply rooted in a person.
- Inborn: Describes innate characteristics or qualities that are natural and inherent within an individual.
Similar Words:
- φύω (phyo) [FOO-oh]: This verb means “to grow” or “to produce,” often used in relation to natural growth processes. While related, it focuses more on the action of growth rather than the state of being implanted.
- ἐνδοῦ (enduo) [en-DOO-oh]: Meaning “to clothe” or “to endow,” this word conveys the idea of being endowed with qualities, but it differs from ἔμφυτος in that it emphasizes the act of receiving rather than the inherent nature of those qualities.
Further Insights:
- Morphology: As an adjective, ἔμφυτος is used to describe qualities that are inherent or implanted. It follows the regular pattern of second declension adjectives in Greek.
- Linguistic Features: The prefix ἐν- (en-) combined with φυτεύω (phyteuo) creates a term that conveys a sense of something being deeply rooted or intrinsic, emphasizing the depth and permanence of the quality being described.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG:
The BDAG lexicon highlights the metaphorical use of ἔμφυτος in the New Testament, particularly in James 1:21, where it refers to the “implanted word” that has the power to save souls. This usage underscores the transformative power of divine teachings that are internalized and take root in the believer’s heart.
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Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon elaborates on the connection between ἔμφυτος and the concept of moral and spiritual development. It points out that the word emphasizes the idea of virtues or teachings that are not just learned but deeply ingrained within a person, forming the foundation of their character.
Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἔμφυτος carries the implication of something that is naturally present, suggesting that the virtues or teachings described by this term are considered to be intrinsic to the believer’s nature once they have been implanted by divine intervention.
LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon provides a classical perspective, showing that ἔμφυτος was used in broader Greek literature to describe both natural and cultivated qualities, whether in plants or in moral and intellectual virtues. This reflects the term’s dual emphasis on what is inherent and what is nurtured.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance defines ἔμφυτος as “implanted” or “inborn,” noting its rare but significant usage in the New Testament, particularly in contexts where internalized virtues or teachings are emphasized.
Scripture References
- James 1:21: “Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted (ἔμφυτος) word, which is able to save your souls.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Theaetetus | “There is an implanted (ἔμφυτος) capacity in us to know the truth, which needs only to be nurtured.” |
| Aristotle | Nicomachean Ethics | “Virtue is an implanted (ἔμφυτος) quality, but it must be cultivated through practice.” |
| Epictetus | Discourses | “Wisdom is not merely taught; it is an implanted (ἔμφυτος) gift that grows with reflection.” |
Summary of ἔμφυτος (G1721: emphytos)
The Greek adjective ἔμφυτος (emphytos) is a deeply significant term that encapsulates the idea of qualities, virtues, or teachings that are not only learned but become an intrinsic part of an individual. Its use in the New Testament, especially in James 1:21, emphasizes the transformative power of the “implanted word” of God, which, when internalized, can lead to salvation. The term also connects to broader Greek philosophical thought, where it describes both natural and cultivated qualities that define a person’s character. Understanding ἔμφυτος provides valuable insights into the ancient worldview of growth, learning, and the internalization of divine and moral principles.
Did You Know?
The concept of “implanted” or “inborn” qualities was central not only to early Christian thought but also to Greek philosophy. Plato and Aristotle both discussed the idea of inherent virtues and knowledge, which they believed needed to be nurtured and developed through education and practice. This idea of nurturing what is “implanted” within us continues to influence educational and spiritual practices today.
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