Divine Protection: φεύγω (Strong’s G5343: pheugō) Guides God’s People

Strong’s G5343: A primary verb meaning “to flee, escape.” Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts of escaping danger or avoiding evil. Particularly significant in narratives of divine preservation and moral instruction. Represents both physical flight from danger and spiritual separation from sin.

U- Unveiling the Word

The verb φεύγω describes purposeful flight or escape, whether from physical danger or moral evil. In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from Jesus’ family fleeing to Egypt to Paul’s instructions about fleeing from sin. The word carries both protective and moral implications, showing God’s guidance in preservation and holiness. The early church saw in this word a pattern for both physical prudence and spiritual separation from evil. Today, φεύγω continues to teach believers about appropriate response to danger and the importance of decisive separation from sin.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φεύγω, pheugō, fyoo’-go
• Pronunciation Guide: fyoo (as in “few”) + go (as in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary root word
• Related to Latin “fugio”
  A basic term expressing flight or escape

D – Defining Meanings

• To flee
• To escape
• To avoid
• To seek safety by flight

For compound words:
This is not a compound word but a primary verb

Translation Options:

• “To flee” – emphasizes active movement away
• “To escape” – stresses successful evasion
• “To shun” – captures moral avoidance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐκφεύγω (ekpheugō, ek-fyoo’-go) – to escape completely See G1628
• διαφεύγω (diapheugō, dee-af-yoo’-go) – to flee through See G1309
• καταφεύγω (katapheugō, kat-af-yoo’-go) – to flee for refuge See G2703

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a verb:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Middle/Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Imperative
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous (present), Punctiliar (aorist)

Examples:

• φεύγω – I flee (present active)
• φεύξομαι – I will flee (future)
• ἔφυγον – I fled (aorist)
• πέφευγα – I have fled (perfect)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexicons provide rich understanding of φεύγω. BDAG emphasizes both its literal and moral applications. Thayer’s notes its use in contexts of preservation and moral separation. LSJ documents its extensive classical usage for military retreat and escape. Vine’s particularly emphasizes its moral implications. Strong’s connects it to the basic concept of escape. Moulton and Milligan provide evidence of its common use in descriptions of both physical and moral flight.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 2:13: “Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, ‘Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee [φεύγω] to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.'”

Additional References:
Matthew 10:23, 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Timothy 6:11, 2 Timothy 2:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φεύγω powerfully illustrates God’s protection through both physical escape and moral separation. From the infant Jesus’ preservation to believers’ flight from sin, it shows divine guidance in both practical and spiritual realms. The good news is that King Jesus not only provides escape from danger but also empowers us to flee from evil. This word reminds us that sometimes victory comes through strategic withdrawal rather than direct confrontation.

D – Did You Know?

1. φεύγω gave us English words like “fugitive” and “refugee.”
2. It was a technical term in Greek law for exile.
3. Early Christian martyrology used this term to discuss when flight from persecution was appropriate.

Strong’s G5343: A primary verb meaning “to flee, escape.” Used in both literal and metaphorical contexts of escaping danger or avoiding evil. Particularly significant in narratives of divine preservation and moral instruction. Represents both physical flight from danger and spiritual separation from sin.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: flee, escape, preservation, divine-protection, moral-separation, sin, danger, safety, persecution, wisdom, guidance, holy-living, divine-direction, separation, prudence​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​