from ἐκ and τρέφω; to rear up to maturity, i.e. (genitive case) to cherish or train:--bring up, nourish.
Transliteration:ektréphō
Pronunciation:ek-tref'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G1625}}` (ektréphō) is a compound term derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," and the verb τρέφω (trephō), meaning "to nourish," "to feed," or "to rear." The prefix ἐκ intensifies the action of τρέφω, indicating a process of bringing something *to completion* or *to maturity* through sustained nourishment and care. Thus, `{{G1625}}` signifies more than mere feeding; it denotes the comprehensive act of "rearing up to maturity," which includes providing sustenance, fostering growth, and offering tender care. Its semantic range extends to "cherishing" (implying warmth, protection, and affection) and "training" (suggesting intentional instruction and discipline aimed at proper development). The core idea is a continuous, purposeful nurturing that leads to full development and well-being.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G1625}}` appears only twice in the New Testament, both times within Paul's letter to the Ephesians, and each instance illuminates a distinct yet related aspect of its meaning:
1. **[[Ephesians 5:29]]**: "For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church."
* Here, `{{G1625}}` (rendered "nourishes") is paired with θάλπω (thalpō, `{{G2282}}`, "cherishes" or "warms"). This juxtaposition is crucial. While `{{G1625}}` implies providing for the needs necessary for growth and sustenance, `{{G2282}}` suggests tender affection, warmth, and protective care, much like a bird brooding over its young. The context is the husband's love for his wife, mirroring Christ's sacrificial and nurturing love for the Church. This usage emphasizes a holistic, active, and tender provision that promotes the well-being and flourishing of the beloved, extending beyond physical needs to emotional and spiritual care.
2. **[[Ephesians 6:4]]**: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."
* In this verse, `{{G1625}}` (rendered "bring them up") describes the active responsibility of parents, specifically fathers, in raising their children. The phrase "in the discipline (παιδείᾳ, paideia, `{{G3809}}`) and instruction (νουθεσίᾳ, nouthesia, `{{G3560}}`) of the Lord" specifies the manner and goal of this upbringing. This is not passive care but an intentional, structured process that involves both corrective training (παιδεία) and verbal admonition/instruction (νουθεσία). The overarching aim is to guide children toward spiritual maturity and moral integrity, rooted in the principles and character of God. The command to "not provoke your children to anger" serves as a counterpoint, highlighting that this upbringing must be administered with wisdom, patience, and love, avoiding harshness or inconsistency that could embitter the child.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{G1625}}` is enriched by its relationship to other terms and concepts:
* **τρέφω (trephō)**: The base verb (`{{G5142}}`) meaning "to nourish," "to feed," or "to rear." `{{G1625}}` builds upon this by emphasizing the completion or full development that results from such nourishment.
* **θάλπω (thalpō)**: As seen in [[Ephesians 5:29]], `{{G2282}}` means "to cherish," "to warm," or "to foster with tender care." Its pairing with `{{G1625}}` underscores the affectionate and protective dimension of nurturing.
* **παιδεία (paideia)**: Translated as "discipline," "training," or "instruction" (`{{G3809}}`), this noun in [[Ephesians 6:4]] specifies a key component of how children are to be `{{G1625}}` – through structured guidance and correction.
* **νουθεσία (nouthesia)**: Meaning "instruction," "admonition," or "warning" (`{{G3560}}`), this term in [[Ephesians 6:4]] highlights the verbal and intellectual aspect of parental upbringing, guiding children with wisdom.
* **ἀνατρέφω (anatrephō)**: Another compound verb (`{{G397}}`) meaning "to bring up" or "to rear," often used in a general sense of childhood upbringing (e.g., [[Acts 7:20]], [[Acts 22:3]]). While similar, `{{G1625}}` carries a stronger nuance of continuous, purposeful development towards maturity.
* **Concepts**: Parental responsibility, spousal care, spiritual formation, discipleship, holistic development, and the imitation of Christ's love.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G1625}}` is profound, touching upon core aspects of Christian life and relationships:
1. **Christ's Model of Care**: The use of `{{G1625}}` in [[Ephesians 5:29]] provides a divine paradigm for human relationships. Christ's relationship with the Church is characterized by active, sustained provision and tender, protective love. This is not a passive affection but an ongoing, comprehensive commitment to the Church's well-being and growth. Husbands are called to emulate this self-giving, nurturing love for their wives, recognizing their inherent value and fostering their flourishing.
2. **Intentional Parenthood**: In [[Ephesians 6:4]], `{{G1625}}` elevates parenting from a mere biological function to a sacred, intentional calling. Fathers, in particular, are charged with the weighty responsibility of actively "bringing up" their children. This involves not only meeting physical needs but, more significantly, shaping their character and worldview through "the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This implies a spiritual formation that is rooted in biblical truth and guided by God's wisdom, aiming to raise children who honor God.
3. **Holistic Development**: Across both occurrences, `{{G1625}}` underscores the importance of holistic development. It is not just about physical sustenance but about nurturing the entire person—body, soul, and spirit—towards maturity and fullness of life. This comprehensive care reflects God's own nature as a loving Father who provides for and guides His children in every aspect of their being.
4. **Covenantal Responsibility**: The word points to a relational commitment that is enduring and purposeful. Whether in marriage or parenting, `{{G1625}}` implies a covenantal responsibility to foster growth, protect, and guide, ensuring that those under one's care are brought to their full potential within a loving and godly framework.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G1625}}` (ektréphō) comprehensively describes the act of "rearing up to maturity" through sustained nourishment, tender care, and intentional training. Its two occurrences in Ephesians reveal its dual application: depicting Christ's profound, holistic, and cherishing love for His Church ([[Ephesians 5:29]]), which serves as the model for a husband's love for his wife; and defining the active, purposeful responsibility of parents to "bring up" their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord ([[Ephesians 6:4]]). In both contexts, `{{G1625}}` signifies a committed, nurturing process aimed at fostering complete well-being and spiritual maturity, reflecting a divine pattern for human relationships and parental stewardship.
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