Lexical Summary orussó: To dig, to excavate Original Word: ὀρύσσω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dig. Apparently a primary verb; to "burrow" in the ground, i.e. Dig -- dig. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to dig NASB Translation dug (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3736: ὀρύσσωὀρύσσω: 1 aorist ὤρυξα; from Homer down; the Sept. for חָפַר, כָּרָה, etc.; to dig: to make τί by digging, Mark 12:1; τί ἐν τίνι, Matthew 21:33; equivalent to to make a pit, ἐν τῇ γῆ, Matthew 25:18 (here T Tr WH ὤρυξεν γῆν). (Compare: διορύσσω, ἐξορύσσω.) Topical Lexicon Background and Range of Meaning The term denotes the deliberate act of cutting into soil or rock to create a cavity, trench, or press. In first-century Palestine, digging was essential for viticulture, storage, and protective concealment. The image immediately evokes purposeful effort, expectation of future yield, and—when misapplied—short-sighted avoidance of responsibility. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1 – The landowner “dug a winepress” within his vineyard. Agricultural and Social Context Vineyards in Judea customarily required a rock-hewn vat beneath the press so that juice could flow without contamination. The process was labor-intensive and signaled substantial investment. Likewise, shallow pits served as temporary vaults for valuables when banks were scarce. Positive Connotation: Preparation for Fruitfulness In the parable of the vineyard (Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1), the owner’s digging highlights divine initiative. God meticulously prepares Israel for fruit-bearing service, echoing Isaiah 5:2, “He dug it out and cleared it of stones”. The word pictures covenant grace that precedes human responsibility. Negative Connotation: Concealment and Neglect By contrast, Matthew 25:18 casts the same action in a condemnatory light. Digging becomes a means to bury opportunity. The servant’s pit represents a self-made tomb where potential lies dormant. Jesus’ verdict—“You wicked, lazy servant!” (Matthew 25:26)—underscores that safety sought apart from faithful risk is disobedience. Theological Implications • Stewardship: God’s careful excavation calls believers to cultivate gifts rather than conceal them. Christological Insight Jesus, as the narrative Voice, aligns Himself with the vineyard’s Owner and the Talent’s Master. His intimate knowledge of Palestinian agriculture authenticates His earthly ministry, while the moral weight points to His divine prerogative to evaluate human fruitfulness at His return. Practical Ministry Application • Church planting and discipleship parallel the owner’s initial excavation: leaders must invest deeply before expecting fruit. Old Testament Resonances From Abraham’s wells (Genesis 26:18) to Jeremiah’s warning against “cracked cisterns” (Jeremiah 2:13), Scripture repeatedly links digging with both blessing and folly. The New Testament usage gathers these threads into Christ’s teaching, demonstrating scriptural coherence. Eschatological Perspective The final settlement in each parable—either receiving the vineyard’s fruit or being cast into outer darkness—foreshadows the last judgment, when the Lord will expose every pit, press, and hiding place, rewarding faithful labor and condemning wasted opportunity. Summary Strong’s Greek 3736 paints a vivid picture of intentional excavation. In Jesus’ teaching it functions both as a symbol of God’s preparatory grace and as an exposé of human sloth. Disciples are summoned to join the Master in productive digging that yields lasting fruit for His kingdom. Forms and Transliterations ορυγή ορύξεις όρυξον ορύσσει ορύσσω ορύσσων ορφανίαν ώρυξα ώρυξαν ωρύξατε ώρυξε ωρυξεν ώρυξεν ὤρυξεν oruxen ōruxen oryxen ōryxen ṓryxenLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 21:33 V-AIA-3SGRK: περιέθηκεν καὶ ὤρυξεν ἐν αὐτῷ NAS: AROUND IT AND DUG A WINE PRESS KJV: round about, and digged a winepress in INT: placed around and dug in it Matthew 25:18 V-AIA-3S Mark 12:1 V-AIA-3S |
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