Lexical Summary deuro: "Come," "come here," "hither" Original Word: δεῦρο Strong's Exhaustive Concordance come hither.Of uncertain affinity; here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto -- come (hither), hither(-to). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition until now, come here! NASB Translation come (6), come here (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1204: δεῦροδεῦρο, adverb, from Homer down; 1. of place, a. hither; to this place. b. in urging and calling, "Here! Come!" (the Sept. especially for לֵך and לְכָה): Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22; John 11:43 (δεῦρο ἔξω come forth). Acts 7:34; Revelation 17:1; Revelation 21:9; δεῦρο εἰς γῆν, ἥν κτλ., Acts 7:3 (δεῦρο εἰς τόν οἶκον σου, 1 Kings 1:53; eis Ptolemaida, 1 Macc. 12:45). 2. of time, hitherto, now: ἄχρι τοῦ δεῦρο up to this time, Romans 1:13 (μέχρι δεῦρο (Plato, legg. 7, p. 811 c.); Athen. 1, 62, p. 34 c.; Plutarch, vit. Numbers 4; Pomp. 24). Strong’s Greek 1204 is a summons word. Whether spoken by the Lord, by His messengers, or by His apostles, it conveys an urgent invitation to move from one place or state into the will of God. Its nine New Testament occurrences span key moments in salvation history—from the patriarchal era to the consummation of all things—so that one word traces a line of gracious divine initiative throughout Scripture. Occurrences and Contexts 1. The Synoptic Invitation to Radical Discipleship Matthew 19:21; Mark 10:21; Luke 18:22 Facing the rich young ruler, Jesus first exposes the idol of wealth, then issues a direct call: “Then come, follow Me.” The summons is not merely geographical but existential—leave the security of possessions and step into wholehearted obedience. The repeated use across three Gospels highlights its foundational place in Jesus’ ethic of the kingdom. 2. Authority over Death At Lazarus’s tomb Jesus “called out in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’” The imperative breaks the power of death, revealing that the same commanding word that created life now calls the dead to life. This single use shows the word’s power when wielded by the incarnate Word. 3. Patriarchal and Mosaic Foundations Stephen recounts God’s call to Abraham—“Leave your country,”—and God’s commission to Moses—“Now come, I will send you.” In both cases the summons launches redemptive history: Abraham into covenant promise, Moses into deliverance ministry. The word therefore marks decisive turning points that shape the nation of Israel and, through it, the gospel story. 4. Paul’s Pastoral Desire Paul writes, “I have many times intended to come to you.” Though delayed, his longing shows the missionary heart that seeks mutual edification and a harvest among the Gentiles. Here the term carries no command but an aspiration shaped by the Spirit’s guidance. 5. Eschatological Revelation Revelation 17:1; 21:9 In both scenes an angel says, “Come, I will show you….” The first unveils the judgment of Babylon; the second unveils the glory of the Bride. Between wrath and wedding, the same summons draws John—and the Church—into a prophetic vision of final realities. The word stands at the threshold of ultimate disclosure, underscoring that history’s end unfolds by invitation, not human discovery. Theological Themes • Divine Initiative: In every usage God or His representative speaks first, emphasizing grace. Ministry Implications 1. Preaching and Evangelism: The gospel is not merely information but an urgent “Come.” Proclamation should retain this invitational tone. Historical Reception Early Christian writers heard in the word a pattern of “calling” (Lat. vocatio). Irenaeus saw Abraham’s obedience as proto-evangelium; Augustine linked Lazarus’s “Come out!” to spiritual resurrection in conversion; the Cappadocians viewed Revelation’s summons as proof of God’s sovereignty over history. Across centuries, the church has recognized in this brief command the voice that calls creation from nothingness, sinners from darkness, and saints into everlasting light. Summary Strong’s Greek 1204 threads through Scripture as a luminous cord of invitation. Whether spoken in the dusty roads of Judea, the courts of Pharaoh, or the corridors of apocalyptic vision, it always issues from divine lips and demands a human answer. Each occurrence beckons readers today to heed the same voice—and to step, without delay, into the purposes of God. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 19:21 V-M-2SGRK: οὐρανοῖς καὶ δεῦρο ἀκολούθει μοι NAS: in heaven; and come, follow KJV: heaven: and come [and] follow me. INT: [the] heavens and come follow me Mark 10:21 V-M-2S Luke 18:22 V-M-2S John 11:43 V-M-2S Acts 7:3 V-M-2S Acts 7:34 V-M-2S Romans 1:13 Adv Revelation 17:1 V-M-2S Revelation 21:9 V-M-2S |
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