contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application):--country, earth(-ly), ground, land, world.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **gē**, represented by `{{G1093}}`, is a fundamental term for **earth**, **land**, or **ground**. It appears 252 times across 226 unique verses, highlighting its significance in the biblical text. The word's meaning ranges from the literal soil underfoot to a specific country or region, and ultimately to the entire terrestrial globe and its inhabitants.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G1093}}` is used in several distinct contexts. It is frequently contrasted with heaven `{{G3772}}` to distinguish the created realms, as seen when Jesus states, "Heaven and **earth** shall pass away" [[Matthew 24:35]]. The word also denotes a specific region or territory, such as the "**land** of Juda" [[Matthew 2:6]] or the "**land** of Egypt" [[Jude 1:5]]. `{{G1093}}` can refer to the inhabitants of the world, as in Revelation, where "all kindreds of the **earth** shall wail" [[Revelation 1:7]]. In an agricultural sense, it signifies the soil or ground from which life springs, illustrated when a grain of wheat must fall into the **ground** and die to bear fruit [[John 12:24]] or when seed is sown on "good **ground**" [[Matthew 13:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words build upon the concept of the earth and its use:
* `{{G1092}}` **geōrgós** (a land-worker, i.e. farmer:--husbandman): This term describes one who works the `{{G1093}}`, as seen in the example of the **husbandman** who waits for the precious fruit of the **earth** [[James 5:7]].
* `{{G1090}}` **geōrgéō** (to till (the soil):--dress): This verb refers to the act of cultivating the land. The **earth** that brings forth herbs is that which is **dressed** [[Hebrews 6:7]].
* `{{G1008}}` **botánē** (herbage (as if for grazing):--herb): This describes the vegetation that grows from the `{{G1093}}`, such as the **herbs** brought forth by the earth [[Hebrews 6:7]].
* `{{G3625}}` **oikouménē** (land, i.e. the (terrene part of the) globe; specially, the Roman empire:--earth, world): This term often refers to the inhabited **world**. Satan is described as deceiving the whole **world** `{{G3625}}` before being cast into the **earth** `{{G1093}}` [[Revelation 12:9]].
* `{{G2889}}` **kósmos** (orderly arrangement... by implication, the world... including its inhabitants...): This word denotes the world as an ordered system. God is the one who made the **world** `{{G2889}}` and is Lord of heaven and **earth** `{{G1093}}` [[Acts 17:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological importance of `{{G1093}}` is vast, defining the stage for God's interaction with humanity.
* **The Created Realm:** The **earth** is part of the created order, distinct from the heavens. Scripture identifies God as the "Lord of heaven and **earth**" [[Matthew 11:25]] who "laid the foundation of the **earth**" [[Hebrews 1:10]]. All things in heaven and on **earth** were created by and for Christ [[Colossians 1:16]].
* **The Arena of Divine Will:** The earth is where God's purposes are carried out. Believers are instructed to pray, "Thy will be done in **earth**, as it is in heaven" [[Matthew 6:10]]. Jesus declared that all power in heaven and on **earth** had been given to him [[Matthew 28:18]].
* **A Temporary and Future State:** The current **earth** is presented as transient. Both Jesus and the epistles state that "heaven and **earth** shall pass away" ([[Matthew 24:35]], [[2 Peter 3:10]]). This passing state gives way to the promise of "a new heaven and a new **earth**" [[Revelation 21:1]].
* **Metaphor for Human Receptivity:** In parables, the **earth** or "ground" serves as a metaphor for the human heart. The "good **ground**" represents those who hear the word, keep it, and "bring forth fruit with patience" [[Luke 8:15]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1093}}` **gē** is far more than a simple term for soil or land. It is a cornerstone concept in scripture, establishing the physical realm of creation, the sphere of human history and divine judgment, and the spiritual condition of the human heart. From the "land of Juda" [[Matthew 2:6]] to the "uttermost part of the earth" [[Acts 1:8]], and from the temporary world that will pass away [[Matthew 5:18]] to the promise of a new one [[Revelation 21:1]], `{{G1093}}` provides a framework for understanding God's entire plan for creation and redemption.
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