Lexical Summary hugiainó: To be sound, to be healthy, to be well Original Word: ὑγιαίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to be in good healthFrom hugies; to have sound health, i.e. Be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine) -- be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole(-some). see GREEK hugies HELPS Word-studies 5198 hygiaínō (the root of the English term, "hygiene") – properly, in good working order – hence, "healthy," in sound condition (in-balance). 5198 /hygiaínō ("healthy, working well") means to be free from debilitation (incapacity, handicap) – hence, functioning holistically with all parts working together ("sound"). [5198 (hygiaínō) is opposite to having a debilitating sickness. Thus it became the ideal way to open and close personal letters in ancient times – i.e. wishing someone total health (MM).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hugiés Definition to be sound, healthy NASB Translation good health (2), safe and sound (1), sound (8), well (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5198: ὑγιαίνωὑγιαίνω; (ὑγιής); from Herodotus down; to be sound, to be well, to be in good health: properly, Luke 5:31; Luke 7:10; Luke 15:27; (3 John 1:2); metaphorically, the phrase ὑγιαίνειν ἐν τῇ πίστει (Buttmann, § 133, 19) is used of one whose Christian opinions are free from any admixture of error, Titus 1:13; τῇ πίστει, τῇ ἀγάπη, τῇ ὑπομονή, (cf. Buttmann, as above), of one who keeps these graces sound and strong, Titus 2:2; ἡ ὑγιαίνουσα διδασκαλία, the sound i. e. true and incorrupt doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1; also λόγοι ὑγιαίνοντες (Philo de Abrah. § 38), 1 Timothy 6:3; 2 Timothy 1:13, (ὑγιαινουσαι περί θεῶν δόξαι καί ἀληθεῖς, Plutarch, de aud. poet. c. 4). Topical Lexicon Definition and Semantic Range Strong’s Greek 5198 (ὑγιαίνω, hygiainō) moves along two complementary planes: literal bodily wellness and figurative doctrinal soundness. In classical Greek it denoted physical health; in the New Testament the Spirit broadens the term to embrace spiritual integrity, moral wholeness, and purity of teaching. Thus the same verb that describes a healed servant in Luke also characterizes apostolic doctrine in the Pastoral Epistles. Occurrences and Categories Twelve inspired uses fall naturally into two groups: • Physical health: Luke 5:31; 7:10; 15:27 Physical Health and Christ’s Compassion Luke 7:10 records, “When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant in good health.” Here ὑγιαίνω testifies to Christ’s sovereign authority over disease. In Luke 5:31 Jesus says, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick,” framing His messianic mission in medical imagery that anticipates the cross. Luke 15:27 rejoices that the prodigal is “safe and sound,” underscoring that repentance restores wholeness. These passages root the term in tangible mercy, showing that the gospel addresses body as well as soul. Sound Doctrine in the Pastoral Epistles Paul employs ὑγιαίνω eight times in First and 2 Timothy and Titus. The emphasis is unmistakable: teaching must be free of infection from error. • “Hold firmly to the trustworthy word… so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9). Sound doctrine protects the flock from heresy just as health safeguards the body from disease. Paul’s physician-like language fits a missionary pastor writing to younger co-workers tasked with protecting embryonic congregations. The Prayer of the Elder Apostle John echoes the same duality in 3 John 1:2: “Beloved, I pray that in every way you may prosper and enjoy good health, as your soul also prospers.” Physical and spiritual well-being walk hand in hand; neither is neglected in apostolic care. Historical Background Greek medical literature used ὑγιαίνω for bodily health, often contrasted with νόσος (disease). Early Christians respected this background while infusing the word with redemptive significance. The Great Physician not only cures fevers (Luke 4:39) but delivers from sin’s corruption. By the second century, church fathers such as Irenaeus defended “sound” apostolic teaching against the “sickness” of Gnosticism, retaining the Pauline metaphor. Theological Significance 1. Wholeness: Salvation restores total personhood. Practical Ministry Application • Preachers—diagnose doctrinal drift early; prescribe Scripture. Connections with Other Biblical Themes Healing (ἰάομαι), salvation (σῴζω), and cleansing (καθαρίζω) converge with ὑγιαίνω. The gospel does not merely remove guilt; it renews life. This integrative vision combats the false dichotomy between creed and conduct. Patristic and Later Reception From the Nicene Creed’s insistence on “true God” to the Reformation’s sola Scriptura, the church has pursued doctrinal health. The term shapes confessional language—“the pure preaching of the gospel” (Belgic Confession)—and informs pastoral qualifications in historic polity. Summary ὑγιαίνω unites the spheres of physical restoration and theological fidelity. Christ heals bodies in the Gospels; Paul and John call for healthy doctrine and souls in the Epistles. The church today honors this inspired word by caring for human need and guarding Scriptural truth, that both body and belief may remain “safe and sound” to the glory of God. Forms and Transliterations υγιαίνει υγιαινειν υγιαίνειν ὑγιαίνειν υγιαίνεις υγιαινοντα υγιαίνοντα ὑγιαίνοντα υγιαινοντας υγιαίνοντας ὑγιαίνοντας υγιαινοντες υγιαίνοντες ὑγιαίνοντες υγιαινοντων υγιαινόντων ὑγιαινόντων υγιαίνουσα υγιαινουση υγιαινούση ὑγιαινούσῃ υγιαινουσης υγιαινούσης ὑγιαινούσης υγιαινουσι υγιαίνουσι ὑγιαίνουσι υγιαίνουσιν ὑγιαίνουσιν υγιαίνων υγιαινωσιν υγιαίνωσιν ὑγιαίνωσιν υγίειαν hygiainein hygiaínein hygiainonta hygiaínonta hygiainontas hygiaínontas hygiainontes hygiaínontes hygiainonton hygiainontōn hygiainónton hygiainóntōn hygiainosin hygiainōsin hygiaínosin hygiaínōsin hygiainouse hygiainousē hygiainoúsei hygiainoúsēi hygiainouses hygiainousēs hygiainoúses hygiainoúsēs hygiainousin hygiaínousin ugiainein ugiainonta ugiainontas ugiainontes ugiainonton ugiainontōn ugiainosin ugiainōsin ugiainouse ugiainousē ugiainouses ugiainousēs ugiainousinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 5:31 V-PPA-NMPGRK: ἔχουσιν οἱ ὑγιαίνοντες ἰατροῦ ἀλλὰ NAS: to them, [It is] not those who are well who need KJV: them, They that are whole need INT: have they who are in health of a physician but Luke 7:10 V-PPA-AMS Luke 15:27 V-PPA-AMS 1 Timothy 1:10 V-PPA-DFS 1 Timothy 6:3 V-PPA-DMP 2 Timothy 1:13 V-PPA-GMP 2 Timothy 4:3 V-PPA-GFS Titus 1:9 V-PPA-DFS Titus 1:13 V-PSA-3P Titus 2:1 V-PPA-DFS Titus 2:2 V-PPA-AMP 3 John 1:2 V-PNA Strong's Greek 5198 |
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