Lexical Summary phuó: To bring forth, produce, grow Original Word: φύω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spring up. A primary verb; probably originally, to "puff" or blow, i.e. To swell up; but only used in the implied sense, to germinate or grow (sprout, produce), literally or figuratively -- spring (up). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. verb Definition to bring forth, produce NASB Translation grew (2), springing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5453: φύωφύω; 2 aorist passive (ἐφυην) participle φυέν (for which the Attic writings more common use the 2 aorist active ἐφυν with the participle φύς, φυν, in a passive or intransitive sense; cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. ii, p. 321; Krüger, § 40 under the word; Kühner, § 343, under the word; (Veitch, under the word); Winers Grammar, § 15, under the word; (Buttmann, 68 (60))); (cf. Latinfui, fore, etc.; Curtius, § 417); from Homer down; 1. to beget, bring forth, produce; passive, to be born, to spring up, to grow: Luke 8:6, 8; 2. intransitive, to shoot forth, spring up: Hebrews 12:15 (Winer's Grammar, 252 (237). Compare: ἐκφύω, Topical Lexicon Core Idea of G5453: Divine and Human GrowthStrong’s 5453 conveys the act of sprouting or growing and is bound to the biblical conviction that life, increase, and productivity ultimately come from God. Throughout Scripture the motif of organic growth serves as a window into the mystery of the kingdom, personal sanctification, and communal health. Canonical Appearances 1. Luke 8:6 – In the parable of the sower a seed “sprang up” quickly on rocky soil yet withered for lack of moisture. These three texts span Gospel narrative and epistolary exhortation, showing that growth can either bless (kingdom fruitfulness) or harm (corrosive bitterness). Agricultural Imagery in the Teaching of Jesus Jesus habitually framed kingdom truths in agrarian terms familiar to His Galilean audience. With G5453 He highlights a hidden yet unstoppable principle: under the right conditions the seed carries the power of abundant life. The sower’s parable makes plain that environment (the heart) determines whether that intrinsic life manifests. The sudden sprouting on the rocky soil illustrates superficial response; the sustained sprouting on good soil embodies enduring discipleship. Both outcomes stress responsibility in hearing: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Luke 8:8). Moral Polarity of Growth in Hebrews Hebrews 12:15 reminds believers that growth is not neutral. Something will sprout—either grace-rooted holiness or bitterness. The author, steeped in Deuteronomy 29:18, employs G5453 to warn that an unchecked toxic root can quickly mature, disturbing the peace of the fellowship and contaminating many. The pastoral call is twofold: remain under the means of grace that foster healthy growth, and vigilantly uproot emergent bitterness. Old Testament Backdrop Although G5453 is Greek, its thought-world echoes Hebrew verbs such as tsamach (“to sprout,” Isaiah 61:11) and parah (“to be fruitful,” Genesis 1:22). The biblical storyline moves from Eden’s mandate to “be fruitful” through prophetic visions of a righteous Branch who “will sprout” (Jeremiah 33:15) to Christ Himself, the seed who dies and rises to bear “much fruit” (John 12:24). Thus every New Testament use of G5453 taps into an established theology of life emerging by God’s decree. Theological Implications • Sovereignty of God: Growth is ultimately His work—“God gives the growth” (1 Corinthians 3:7). Pastoral and Missional Applications 1. Discipleship Strategy – Emphasize depth before breadth, ensuring converts receive moisture (sound doctrine, fellowship, sacraments) lest early enthusiasm fade. Historical Reception Early church fathers—Origen, Chrysostom, and Augustine—used the sowing motif to urge catechesis and moral vigilance. Reformation preachers likewise cited Hebrews 12:15 to safeguard gospel purity in fledgling communities. Contemporary expositors continue to draw from these texts to balance assurance of divine growth with warnings against spiritual negligence. Practical Exhortation Believer, tend the garden of your heart. Let the implanted word germinate through obedience, prayer, and fellowship. Watch for intrusive shoots of resentment; uproot them at their inception. Trust the Lord of the harvest who promised, “In due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Forms and Transliterations εφύοντο φυεν φυέν φυὲν φύεται φυήσουσι φυόμενον φύονται φυουσα φύουσα φύουσαι phuen phuousa phyen phyèn phyousa phýousaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Luke 8:6 V-APP-NNSGRK: πέτραν καὶ φυὲν ἐξηράνθη διὰ NAS: on rocky [soil], and as soon as it grew up, it withered away, KJV: and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, INT: rock and having sprung up it withered because Luke 8:8 V-APP-NNS Hebrews 12:15 V-PPA-NFS Strong's Greek 5453 |
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