Lexical Summary hugros: Moist, wet Original Word: ὑγρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance green. From the base of huetos; wet (as if with rain), i.e. (by implication) sappy (fresh) -- green. see GREEK huetos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition wet, moist, of wood sappy NASB Translation green (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5200: ὑγρόςὑγρός, ὑγρά, ὑγρον (ὕω to moisten; (but others from a different root meaning 'to moisten', from which also Latinumor, umidus; cf. Vanicek, p. 867; Curtius, § 158)), from Homer down, damp, moist, wet; opposed to ξηρός (which see), full of sap, green: ξύλον, Luke 23:31 (for רָטֹב, sappy, in Job 8:16). Topical Lexicon Biblical Context The word appears once in the New Testament, in Luke 23:31, where the Lord Jesus says, “For if men do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”. The term pictures a living, “moist” tree—healthy, supple, and full of life—set in contrast to a “dry” tree that is brittle and ready for burning. Old Testament Background Scripture frequently contrasts flourishing green growth with withered dryness to illustrate spiritual vitality versus judgment. Notable parallels include: These passages establish a prophetic vocabulary that Jesus draws upon in Luke 23:31. The Metaphor in Luke 23:31 Jesus speaks while being led to Golgotha. If Rome will crucify the “green tree” (the innocent, perfect Son of God) during a relatively stable season, how severe will the devastation be when the nation’s guilt is ripe and divine restraint is removed? The saying anticipates the fiery judgment that fell on Jerusalem in A.D. 70 and ultimately warns of the final judgment upon all unrepentant humanity. Historical Setting • Political climate: Rome maintained tenuous peace through force; crucifixion was the empire’s harshest penalty for rebels. Theological Insights 1. Innocence magnifies guilt. If such violence is inflicted on the blameless Christ, the culpability of sinners is inescapably grave (Acts 2:23). Related Biblical Imagery • Fruitfulness versus barrenness (Matthew 7:17-19). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Evangelistic urgency: Luke 23:31 urges immediate repentance before the day of dryness arrives (Hebrews 3:13-15). Devotional Reflection Meditating on the green-dry contrast deepens gratitude for the Savior who bore judgment in the season of green and strengthens resolve to walk in daily renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Summary Strong’s Greek 5200 evokes the image of a fresh, living tree. In Luke 23:31 it becomes a poignant metaphor for innocence suffering under human wrath and a solemn warning of greater judgment yet to come. Recognizing the consistent thread of this imagery from Genesis to Revelation encourages believers to rest in Christ’s finished work, pursue spiritual vitality, and summon the world to turn while the day of grace remains. Forms and Transliterations υγραίς υγράς υγρός υγρω υγρώ ὑγρῷ υδραγωγοίς υδραγωγόν υδραγωγώ υδρευόμεναι υδρεύοντο υδρεύσαντο υδρεύσασθαι υδρεύσατο υδρεύσομαι υδρεύωνται hygro hygrō hygrôi hygrō̂i ugro ugrōLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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