3504. neophutos

Lexicon

neophutos: Newly planted, new convert

Original Word: νεόφυτος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: neophutos
Pronunciation: neh-OF-oo-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (neh-of'-oo-tos)
Definition: Newly planted, new convert
Meaning: (lit: newly-planted), newly converted to Christianity, recent convert.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

novice.

From neos and a derivative of phuo; newly planted, i.e. (figuratively) a young convert ("neophyte") -- novice.

see GREEK neos

see GREEK phuo

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from neos, and phuó
Definition
newly planted
NASB Translation
new convert (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3504: νεόφυτος

νεόφυτος, νεόφυτον (νέος and φύω), newly-planted (Job 14:9; Isaiah 5:7, etc.); tropically, a new convert, neophyte (A. V. novice, i. e.) (one who has recently become a Christian): 1 Timothy 3:6. (Ecclesiastical writings.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: From the Greek words νέος (néos), meaning "new," and φύω (phýō), meaning "to grow" or "to bring forth." The term literally translates to "newly planted."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for νεόφυτος, the concept of spiritual growth and maturity can be related to various Hebrew terms that describe growth, planting, and maturity, such as צָמַח (tsamach, Strong's H6779) meaning "to sprout" or "to grow," and שָׁרַשׁ (sharash, Strong's H8327) meaning "to take root." These terms similarly convey the idea of development and establishment, both physically and spiritually.

Usage: The word is used in the New Testament to describe a recent convert to Christianity, emphasizing the need for spiritual maturity before taking on certain responsibilities within the church.

Context: The term νεόφυτος appears in the New Testament in the context of church leadership and the qualifications necessary for those who aspire to such roles. Specifically, it is found in 1 Timothy 3:6, where the Apostle Paul advises Timothy regarding the qualifications for overseers or bishops within the church. The verse states:

"He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same condemnation as the devil." (1 Timothy 3:6, BSB)

In this passage, Paul warns against appointing a νεόφυτος, or a new convert, to a position of leadership. The concern is that a recent convert may lack the spiritual maturity and depth of understanding required to handle the responsibilities and potential challenges of leadership. The risk is that such an individual might become prideful or conceited, leading to spiritual downfall, similar to the fall of Satan due to pride.

The use of νεόφυτος underscores the importance of spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian faith. Just as a newly planted seedling requires time to grow and establish strong roots, so too does a new believer need time to develop a firm foundation in their faith. This growth process involves learning, discipleship, and the development of character and wisdom.

In the broader context of the New Testament, the imagery of planting and growth is frequently used to describe spiritual development. Believers are often likened to plants or trees that must be nurtured and cultivated to bear fruit. The caution against appointing a νεόφυτος to leadership reflects a broader biblical principle that emphasizes the need for maturity and readiness before taking on significant responsibilities within the body of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

νεόφυτα νεοφυτον νεόφυτον νεώσατε neophuton neophyton neóphyton

Englishman's Concordance

1 Timothy 3:6 Adj-AMS
GRK: μὴ νεόφυτον ἵνα μὴ
NAS: [and] not a new convert, so
KJV: Not a novice, lest
INT: not a novice that not

Strong's Greek 3504
1 Occurrence

νεόφυτον — 1 Occ.