from the same as ζῶον and a derivative of γίνομαι; to engender alive, i.e. (by analogy) to rescue (passively, be saved) from death:--live, preserve.
Transliteration:zōogonéō
Pronunciation:dzo-og-on-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word zōogonéō (ζωογονέω) `{{G2225}}` is a compound term derived from zōon (ζῶον) `{{G2226}}`, meaning "living creature" or "life," and a derivative of ginomai (γίνομαι) `{{G1096}}`, meaning "to become," "to be born," or "to come into being." Literally, it signifies "to engender alive" or "to give birth to something living," emphasizing the bringing forth or continuation of life. However, its primary semantic range, as indicated by its usage, extends analogically to "to rescue from death" or "to preserve alive." This highlights an active intervention to prevent perishing and ensure the continuation of life, whether physical or, in some contexts, spiritual. The core idea is the active sustenance of life against threats of extinction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word zōogonéō appears only twice in the New Testament, though it is more prevalent in the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament.
1. **[[Luke 17:33]]**: "Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it (ζωογονήσει)."
* In this challenging teaching of Jesus concerning discipleship and the coming Son of Man, zōogonéō takes on a profound spiritual dimension. It refers not merely to physical survival but to the securing of one's true, eternal life. The paradox implies that clinging to earthly life and its comforts ultimately leads to spiritual loss, while surrendering one's life for Christ's sake paradoxically leads to its ultimate preservation and fulfillment. This usage moves beyond the physical to the eschatological and spiritual realm.
2. **[[Acts 7:19]]**: "He dealt treacherously with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be preserved alive (ζωογονεῖσθαι)."
* Within Stephen's historical recounting of Israel's suffering under Pharaoh, zōogonéō is used in the passive voice, "to be preserved alive" or "to be kept alive." This directly references Pharaoh's decree to kill male Israelite infants, underscoring the attempt to prevent their physical survival. This usage aligns closely with its frequent appearance in the Septuagint.
**Septuagint (LXX) Usage:**
The word zōogonéō frequently translates Hebrew terms like chayah (חָיָה) `{{H2421}}` ("to live," "to keep alive") in the LXX, often in contexts of preserving life from death or danger.
* **[[Exodus 1:17]], [[Exodus 1:18]], [[Exodus 1:22]]**: The midwives "preserved alive" (ζωογόνουν) the male children, defying Pharaoh's command. This directly parallels the [[Acts 7:19]] reference.
* **[[Genesis 7:3]]**: Noah is commanded to take animals into the ark "to preserve alive" (ζωογονῆσαι) their offspring.
* **[[Genesis 19:19]]**: Lot appeals to God, "preserve my life" (ζωογονῆσαί με).
* **[[Psalm 33:19]] (LXX 32:19)**: God "preserves their life" (ζωογονῆσαι αὐτοὺς) from death.
Across these occurrences, the consistent theme is the active preservation of life, often in the face of imminent threat or death, whether through divine intervention or human agency.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **zōē (ζωή) `{{G2222}}`**: The fundamental Greek word for "life." zōogonéō is built upon this root, signifying the *act* of bringing or keeping zōē in existence.
* **zōon (ζῶον) `{{G2226}}`**: "Living creature," forming part of the compound.
* **ginomai (γίνομαι) `{{G1096}}`**: "To become," "to be born," "to come into being," contributing the aspect of origination or coming into existence.
* **sōzō (σῴζω) `{{G4982}}`**: "To save," "to deliver," "to preserve." While broader, sōzō often encompasses the idea of saving from death. zōogonéō is a more specific term focusing on the *preservation of life* itself.
* **diasōzō (διασῴζω) `{{G1295}}`**: "To save through," "to bring safely through," implying preservation through a dangerous situation.
* **phylassō (φυλάσσω) `{{G5442}}`**: "To guard," "to keep," "to preserve." This term can also refer to preserving life, though it has a broader semantic range.
* **Hebrew Equivalents (from LXX):** The most common Hebrew equivalent is chayah (חָיָה) `{{H2421}}`, which means "to live," "to keep alive," or "to revive," directly aligning with the core meaning of zōogonéō.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of zōogonéō is multifaceted, highlighting divine sovereignty over life and the paradoxical nature of true life in Christ.
1. **God as the Preserver of Life:** The frequent use in the Old Testament, particularly in contexts of deliverance from death (e.g., [[Genesis 19:19]], [[Psalm 33:19]]), underscores God's ultimate role as the giver and preserver of all life. Even when human agents like the midwives "preserve alive" infants (e.g., [[Exodus 1:17]]), their actions are often presented as aligning with or being blessed by divine will. This affirms God's providential care and His desire for life to flourish.
2. **The Sanctity and Value of Life:** The word's application to infants (e.g., [[Acts 7:19]], [[Exodus 1:17]]) implicitly affirms the inherent value and sanctity of human life from its earliest stages. The act of "preserving alive" is portrayed as a righteous and divinely favored act, contrasting with the destructive intent of oppressors.
3. **Paradoxical Life in Christ:** The most profound theological insight comes from [[Luke 17:33]]. Jesus transforms the concept of "preserving life" from a physical endeavor to a spiritual reality. To truly zōogonéō one's life in the eternal sense requires a willingness to "lose" it in the temporal sense—to surrender self-preservation, worldly ambitions, and even physical safety for the sake of the Gospel and allegiance to Christ. This teaching foreshadows the path of discipleship, where death to self leads to abundant, eternal life in Christ. It speaks to the salvific work where through Christ's death, believers are given life.
4. **Divine Providence and Human Responsibility:** While God is the ultimate source of life's preservation, the word also shows human beings as active participants in this process. This highlights the interplay between divine providence and human responsibility to protect and cherish life, both physically and spiritually.
### Summary
Zōogonéō (ζωογονέω) `{{G2225}}` is a Greek word fundamentally meaning "to engender alive" or "to give birth to something living," but consistently used in the biblical text to signify "to rescue from death" or "to preserve alive." While appearing only twice in the New Testament, its usage is significant: in [[Acts 7:19]], it refers to the physical preservation of infants from death, echoing its frequent use in the Septuagint (e.g., [[Exodus 1:17]]). Most profoundly, in [[Luke 17:33]], Jesus employs it to convey the spiritual paradox that true, eternal life is preserved not by clinging to earthly existence but by willingly surrendering it for His sake. Theologically, zōogonéō underscores God's sovereignty as the ultimate preserver of life, affirms the inherent value of life, and points to the transformative truth that genuine life in Christ is found through spiritual self-denial and surrender. It is a word that speaks to both the physical protection of life and the deeper, spiritual reality of eternal preservation.
TRV