Lexical Summary entrephó: To bring up, to nurture, to train Original Word: ἐντρέφω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance nourish up in, trainFrom en and trepho; (figuratively) to educate -- nourish up in. see GREEK en see GREEK trepho HELPS Word-studies 1789 entréphō (from 1722 /en "in," which intensifies 5142 /tréphō, "nourish") – properly, in the state (condition) of being nourished, i.e. trained by "continuous instruction in the area of skill and practical knowledge" (L & N, 1, 414, fn 45). This happens by receiving God's inworkings (gift) of faith which has lasting effects (note the prefix en, "in the state/condition of"). 1789 (entréphō) is only used in 1 Tim 4:6. See also 4102 /pístis ("the Lord's inbirthed persuasion"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom en and trephó Definition to train up NASB Translation nourished (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1789: ἐντρέφωἐντρέφω: (present passive participle ἐντρεφόμενος); to nourish in: τινα τίνι, a person in a thing; metaphorically, to educate, form the mind: τοῖς λόγοις τῆς πίστεως, 1 Timothy 4:6; τοῖς νόμοις, Plato, legg. 7, p. 798 a.; Philo, vict. offer. § 10 under the end; τοῖς ἱεροῖς γραμμασι, Phil. leg. ad Gai. § 29 under the end Topical Lexicon OverviewThe verb ἐντρέφω (Strong’s Greek 1789) pictures the steady, ongoing nourishment that strengthens and matures a believer in faith and doctrine. Used only once in the New Testament, it anchors Paul’s pastoral charge to Timothy and supplies a vivid metaphor for discipleship that resonates with the broader biblical witness. Scriptural Context: 1 Timothy 4:6 “By pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.” (1 Timothy 4:6) Paul situates Timothy’s ministry between two tasks: 1. Feeding himself continually on the words of faith and sound doctrine. The middle participle “being nourished” underscores an ongoing process; Timothy’s teaching ministry can never outrun his own intake of truth. Theological Significance of Spiritual Nourishment Spiritual life originates by grace through faith but grows by means of the Word. Scripture compares this growth to: • Milk for newborns (1 Peter 2:2). ἐντρέφω thus links personal intake of Scripture with progressive sanctification. Doctrine is not mere information; it is sustenance that shapes thinking, affections, and conduct. Paul’s Discipleship Model 1. Personal Feeding – Timothy is to let the gospel message dwell richly within him (Colossians 3:16). The single use of ἐντρέφω encapsulates this flow: fed leaders feed others until the body attains maturity (Ephesians 4:11-13). Old Testament Foundations Long before the pastoral epistles, the people of God were commanded to internalize God’s words: • “These words I command you today are to be upon your hearts” (Deuteronomy 6:6). The image of eating and being nourished by divine revelation prepares the ground for Paul’s instruction to Timothy. Christ as the Bread of Life Jesus fulfills and intensifies the motif. “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to Me will never hunger” (John 6:35). To feed on Christ is to receive His teaching, trust His atoning work, and abide in Him by the Spirit. Every act of Christian instruction ultimately points to, and derives its power from, the living Bread. Pastoral and Educational Application • Expository Preaching – Systematic exposition offers the congregation a balanced diet. Safeguarding Orthodoxy The immediate context of 1 Timothy 4 warns against “deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (verse 1). Continuous nourishment in sound doctrine fortifies the church against: • Ascetic legalism (1 Timothy 4:3-5). Thus ἐντρέφω is both formative and protective. Relation to Other Pauline Motifs Paul frequently employs agricultural and dietary images: • Planting and watering (1 Corinthians 3:6-9). ἐντρέφω complements these by stressing the internal process that precedes visible fruitfulness. Implications for Personal Devotion Believers are invited to: 1. Approach Scripture with the expectancy of a meal. When spiritual nutrition is neglected, weakness, instability, and susceptibility to error inevitably follow. Summary Strong’s Greek 1789 stands as a concise, powerful reminder that the health of Christ’s servants—and of the churches they lead—depends on continual feeding upon the words of faith and good doctrine. Disciples are made and matured only as the living Word is consistently received, digested, and shared. Forms and Transliterations εντρεφομενος εντρεφόμενος ἐντρεφόμενος έντριτον entrephomenos entrephómenosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Timothy 4:6 V-PPM/P-NMSGRK: Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐντρεφόμενος τοῖς λόγοις NAS: Jesus, [constantly] nourished on the words KJV: Christ, nourished up in the words INT: of Christ Jesus being nourished with the words |
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