Lexical Summary spoudaios: Diligent, earnest, zealous, eager Original Word: σπουδαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance diligent. From spoude; prompt, energetic, earnest -- diligent. see GREEK spoude HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4705 spoudaíos (an adjective) – earnestly diligent (living "wide-open, full-throttle"). See 4710 (spoudē). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom spoudé Definition hasty, eager, diligent NASB Translation diligent (2), earnest (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4705: σπουδαῖοςσπουδαῖος, σπουδαῖα, σπουδαῖον (σπουδή), from Herodotus down, active, diligent, zealous, earliest: ἐν τίνι, 2 Corinthians 8:22; comparitive σπουδαιότερος, 2 Corinthians 8:17 (Winers Grammar, 242f (227)), 22 (Winers Grammar, § 35, 1); neuter as adverb (Latinstudiosius), very diligently (cf. Buttmann, § 123, 10), 2 Timothy 1:17 R G. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Literary Setting Strong’s Greek 4705 appears three times, all within 2 Corinthians 8, a chapter devoted to Paul’s appeal for the relief offering for the saints in Jerusalem. Two references apply to Titus, one to an unnamed brother, and all three underscore the quality of earnest, reliable service in the delegation entrusted with significant financial stewardship. Earnestness in Christian Giving The word is woven into Paul’s call for generous participation in the collection. In 2 Corinthians 8 17 Paul notes that Titus comes to Corinth “with much eagerness”, linking diligent initiative to the grace of giving (2 Corinthians 8 6-7). The same term in 2 Corinthians 8 22 highlights a tested brother who is “diligent in many things, now even more earnest because of his great confidence in you.” Thus earnestness is presented as an indispensable companion to generosity, ensuring that material gifts are administered with spiritual integrity. Character Assessment and Commendation Paul’s use of 4705 functions like a ministerial seal of approval. Titus is not dispatched merely because of friendship with Paul; his internal motivation is confirmed as Spirit-wrought (“God… put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you,” 2 Corinthians 8 16-17). Likewise, the unnamed brother’s repeat-tested earnestness qualifies him for fiduciary responsibility. The term therefore becomes a criterion for leadership: proven zeal that consistently translates into trustworthy action. Historical Background: The Jerusalem Relief Project The mid-first-century famine (Acts 11 27-30) and continued economic hardship in Judea gave rise to the offering coordinated among the Gentile churches (Romans 15 25-28; 1 Corinthians 16 1-4). Transporting a sizable sum across the empire required men whose zeal was matched by transparency. By emphasizing their earnestness, Paul reassures the Corinthians and preempts any suspicion regarding the administration of funds (2 Corinthians 8 20-21). Thus 4705 carries both pastoral and practical significance within an international ministry venture. Ministerial Implications 1. Financial Stewardship: Believers entrusted with resources must exhibit the same earnest reliability modeled by Titus and his colleague. Related Pauline Exhortations While 4705 itself is confined to 2 Corinthians 8, Paul frequently exhorts believers with cognate terms: These parallels reinforce that earnestness is a hallmark of mature discipleship, spanning doctrine, conduct, and communal harmony. Practical Application for the Church Today Local assemblies continue to handle benevolence, missions, and offerings that demand transparent, zealous care. Selecting officers and ministry teams should involve discerning this tested earnestness, ensuring that stewardship reflects God-honoring zeal rather than mere administrative competence. Additionally, individual believers are encouraged to cultivate the same spirit in personal discipleship—translating heartfelt devotion into concrete, reliable action for the good of Christ’s body. Forms and Transliterations σπουδαία σπουδαιον σπουδαίον σπουδαῖον σπουδαιοτερον σπουδαιότερον σπουδαιοτερος σπουδαιότερος spoudaion spoudaîon spoudaioteron spoudaióteron spoudaioteros spoudaióterosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 8:17 Adj-NMS-CGRK: παράκλησιν ἐδέξατο σπουδαιότερος δὲ ὑπάρχων NAS: himself very earnest, he has gone INT: exhortation he received more earnest moreover being 2 Corinthians 8:22 Adj-AMS 2 Corinthians 8:22 Adv Strong's Greek 4705 |
    |