of uncertain affinity; to belch, i.e. (figuratively) to speak out:--utter.
Transliteration:ereúgomai
Pronunciation:er-yoog'-om-ahee
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2044}}` (*ereúgomai*) carries a primary, literal meaning of "to belch," "to vomit," or "to disgorge." This suggests a forceful, often involuntary, expulsion from within. Its etymological roots are considered onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound of such an action, further emphasizing its visceral nature.
Figuratively, `{{G2044}}` extends its semantic range to "to speak out" or "to utter." This metaphorical application retains the intensity of the literal meaning, implying an utterance that is not merely spoken, but rather forcefully or abundantly expressed, as if gushing forth from a deep internal source. It signifies a robust and unconstrained declaration, distinct from a casual or hesitant remark.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{G2044}}` appears only once in the New Testament, in a quotation from the Old Testament:
* **[[Romans 9:17]]**: "For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, 'For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed (ἐρεύγομαι) in all the earth.'"
* Here, Paul quotes [[Exodus 9:16]] from the Septuagint (LXX). In the Hebrew Masoretic Text, the word translated is `{{H7225}}` (*rāḥaq*), meaning "to declare" or "to make known." The choice of `{{G2044}}` by the LXX translators, and subsequently by Paul, emphasizes the forceful, undeniable, and pervasive nature of God's self-revelation through His actions. God's name and power are not merely whispered, but resoundingly and universally "proclaimed" or "uttered" through the very events He orchestrates, including the judgment upon Pharaoh.
The word occurs more frequently in the Septuagint, often translating Hebrew terms that convey a similar sense of abundant or forceful utterance:
* **[[Psalm 19:2]] (LXX 18:3)**: "Day to day utters (ἐρεύγομαι) speech, and night to night reveals knowledge."
* Here, `{{G2044}}` translates the Hebrew `{{H5042}}` (*nābaʿ*), which means "to gush forth," "to bubble up," or "to pour out" (speech or thought). This usage perfectly aligns with the figurative sense of `{{G2044}}`, depicting the ceaseless and overflowing testimony of creation concerning God's glory. The heavens are not just speaking, but are *gushing forth* with divine revelation.
* **[[Psalm 145:7]] (LXX 144:7)**: "They shall pour forth (ἐρεύγομαι) the fame of your great goodness and shall sing aloud of your righteousness."
* Again, `{{G2044}}` translates `{{H5042}}` (*nābaʿ*), illustrating the fervent and abundant praise of God's people. Their declaration of His goodness is an unreserved outpouring, a joyful and full-throated proclamation.
Across these contexts, `{{G2044}}` consistently points to a robust, unconstrained, and often public declaration, particularly concerning God's glory, power, or truth. It signifies an utterance that emanates from a deep source and is meant to be widely known.
### Related Words & Concepts
`{{G2044}}` is closely related to several Hebrew and Greek terms that convey the idea of speaking or declaring, but with an added nuance of intensity or abundance.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:**
* `{{H7225}}` (*rāḥaq*): "to declare," "to make known," "to publish," as seen in [[Exodus 9:16]].
* `{{H5042}}` (*nābaʿ*): "to gush forth," "to bubble up," "to pour out" (speech or thought), found in [[Psalm 19:2]] and [[Psalm 145:7]]. This connection is particularly strong, reinforcing the idea of an abundant and unrestrained outpouring.
* **Greek Synonyms/Concepts:**
* While λαλέω (*laleō*, "to speak") or λέγω (*legō*, "to say") are general terms for speaking, `{{G2044}}` carries a much stronger connotation of forceful or abundant utterance.
* κηρύσσω (*kēryssō*, "to proclaim," "to preach") shares the public aspect of declaration, but `{{G2044}}` emphasizes the internal wellspring and the gushing forth of the message.
* Other related concepts include revelation, testimony, divine speech, and fervent praise. The word suggests an utterance that is driven by an internal compulsion or an overflowing abundance.
### Theological Significance
The rare but potent use of `{{G2044}}` carries significant theological weight:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Irresistible Revelation:** In its sole New Testament appearance in [[Romans 9:17]], `{{G2044}}` underscores God's absolute sovereignty. His purpose in raising up Pharaoh was not just to demonstrate power, but to ensure that His name would be "proclaimed" (ἐρεύγομαι) throughout the earth. This signifies that God's self-revelation is not merely an option but an unyielding reality that will be made known universally and powerfully. It speaks to the irresistible nature of God's divine declaration.
* **The Unceasing Testimony of Creation:** As seen in [[Psalm 19:2]], the heavens and the firmament "utter" or "pour forth" speech about God's glory. This highlights the inherent and continuous testimony of the natural world, which ceaselessly and abundantly declares the existence, wisdom, and majesty of its Creator. Creation's witness is an overflowing, undeniable proclamation.
* **Fervent and Unreserved Worship:** When applied to human speech, as in [[Psalm 145:7]], `{{G2044}}` describes the fervent, abundant praise of God's goodness and righteousness. It suggests that genuine worship and witness are not timid or reserved, but an unconstrained outpouring of adoration and truth from a heart overflowing with gratitude. This challenges believers to offer praise that is as full and uninhibited as the divine truth it reflects.
* **Internal Compulsion and Truth's Outflow:** The literal meaning of "belching" implies an internal pressure that must be released. Figuratively, this suggests that the "utterance" (whether from God, creation, or humanity) comes from a deep, perhaps even irresistible, inner compulsion. Truth, once deeply held or revealed, cannot be contained but must "gush forth."
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G2044}}` (*ereúgomai*), though literally meaning "to belch," is powerfully employed in a figurative sense to convey a forceful, abundant, and often public "uttering" or "proclamation." Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 9:17]] highlights God's sovereign purpose in ensuring His name and power are resoundingly "proclaimed" throughout the earth. This aligns with its Septuagint usage, where it frequently translates Hebrew terms signifying a gushing forth or pouring out of speech, as exemplified by the ceaseless declaration of God's glory by creation in [[Psalm 19:2]] and the fervent praise of His people in [[Psalm 145:7]]. `{{G2044}}` emphasizes an utterance that flows from an internal wellspring, an undeniable and pervasive declaration that cannot be contained, whether it is the divine will being manifested, the inherent testimony of the created order, or the worshipful outpouring of a believing heart. It underscores the unreserved and potent nature of the spoken word when it originates from a profound and compelling source.
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