### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **zōopoiéō**, represented by `{{G2227}}`, means to (re-)vitalize, make alive, give life, or quicken. It appears **15 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used both literally, in the context of raising the dead, and figuratively, to describe spiritual revitalization.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2227}}` is primarily used to describe a divine action. God the Father is identified as he who **quickeneth** the dead [[Romans 4:17]] and **quickeneth** all things [[1 Timothy 6:13]]. This authority is shared with the Son, who also **quickeneth** whom he will [[John 5:21]]. The Holy Spirit is presented as the agent of this life-giving power, as "it is the spirit that **quickeneth**" [[John 6:63]]. This is contrasted with the "letter" which "killeth" [[2 Corinthians 3:6]]. The concept extends to the resurrection, where Christ, the "last Adam," is a **quickening** spirit [[1 Corinthians 15:45]], and believers are promised that their mortal bodies will be **quickened** by the Spirit [[Romans 8:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and application of giving life:
* `{{G1453}}` **egeírō** (to waken... rouse... raise...): This word is often used for the act of resurrection that precedes being quickened. He that **raised up** Christ from the dead shall also **quicken** your mortal bodies [[Romans 8:11]].
* `{{G2198}}` **záō** (to live...): This describes the state of having life. The first Adam was made a **living** soul, whereas the last Adam became a **quickening** spirit [[1 Corinthians 15:45]].
* `{{G2222}}` **zōḗ** (life...): This is the noun for the vitality that `{{G2227}}` imparts. The words Jesus speaks are spirit and they are **life** [[John 6:63]].
* `{{G4151}}` **pneûma** (a current of air... a spirit...): The Spirit is the agent who performs the action of quickening. Christ was "quickened by the **Spirit**" [[1 Peter 3:18]].
* `{{G3498}}` **nekrós** (dead...): This describes the state upon which quickening acts. God is the one who quickeneth the **dead** [[Romans 4:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2227}}` is significant, highlighting several core doctrines:
* **Divine Authority:** The power to **quicken** belongs to God the Father and the Son, demonstrating their ultimate authority over life and death ([[John 5:21]], [[1 Timothy 6:13]]).
* **The Spirit's Role in Salvation:** The Spirit is the active agent who gives life, contrasting with the law, which cannot ([[2 Corinthians 3:6]], [[Galatians 3:21]]). It is the Spirit who will ultimately **quicken** the mortal bodies of believers [[Romans 8:11]].
* **The Two Adams:** The term is central to the contrast between the first Adam, who was made a "living soul," and Christ, the "last Adam," who is a "quickening spirit," able to impart life to others [[1 Corinthians 15:45]].
* **Resurrection Hope:** The promise that "in Christ shall all be **made alive**" is a cornerstone of Christian hope, pointing to a future physical and spiritual revitalization [[1 Corinthians 15:22]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2227}}` is a powerful verb that conveys the divine act of imparting life. It moves beyond mere existence to signify a revitalization sourced in God himself. Whether describing the Father raising the dead, the Son granting life as he wills, or the Spirit revitalizing a believer, the word points to the foundational Christian belief that true life, both now and in the resurrection, is a direct gift from God.
TRV