### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective G2593 καρποφόρος (karpophóros) is a compound word derived from G2590 καρπός (karpos), meaning "fruit" or "produce," and G5342 φέρω (pherō), meaning "to bear" or "to carry." Literally, it signifies "fruit-bearing" or "producing fruit." Its semantic range encompasses both the literal sense of yielding agricultural produce and, by extension, the figurative sense of being productive, effective, or fruitful in a broader, often spiritual or moral, context. While the base definition provided includes "figuratively," its sole New Testament occurrence employs a more direct, though still illustrative, application of its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2593 καρποφόρος (karpophóros) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 14:17]]. In this passage, Paul and Barnabas are addressing the people of Lystra, who are about to offer sacrifices to them, mistaking them for gods. Paul declares: "Yet He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness."
Here, "fruitful seasons" (καιροὺς καρποφόρους - *kairous karpophorous*) refers to the regular, divinely ordained periods of the year that bring forth agricultural abundance. The context highlights God's universal benevolence and His provision for all humanity, even those who do not yet know Him. The "fruitful seasons" serve as a tangible witness to God's existence and His good character, demonstrating His power and care through the natural order. This usage is primarily literal, referring to the earth's capacity to yield crops, but it undergirds a profound theological truth about divine sustenance and revelation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is G2590 καρπός (karpos), the noun for "fruit," which is extensively used throughout the New Testament, often metaphorically. Examples include the "fruit of the Spirit" ([[Galatians 5:22]]), the "fruit of righteousness" ([[Philippians 1:11]]), and the "fruit" produced by believers as a result of their union with Christ ([[John 15:5]]). The verb G5342 φέρω (pherō), "to bear" or "to carry," is also foundational to G2593 καρποφόρος (karpophóros).
Other related concepts include:
* G176 ἀκαρπος (akarpos): The antonym, meaning "unfruitful" or "barren," often used in a spiritual sense to denote a lack of spiritual productivity ([[Matthew 13:22]], [[Jude 1:12]]).
* Divine Provision: The concept of God providing for His creation, as seen in [[Matthew 6:26-30]] and [[Psalm 104:10-18]].
* Productivity and Abundance: Both physical and spiritual, reflecting God's desire for His creation and His people to flourish and be productive ([[Genesis 1:28]]).
### Theological Significance
While G2593 καρποφόρος (karpophóros) appears only once in a literal sense, its theological significance is deeply rooted in the broader biblical understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. In [[Acts 14:17]], the "fruitful seasons" serve as a powerful testament to God's goodness and His active involvement in sustaining life, even for those who are ignorant of Him. This is an aspect of general revelation, where God's attributes are made known through the created order ([[Romans 1:20]]). The bounty of nature, enabling καρποφόρος (fruitful) seasons, points to a benevolent Creator who provides for the physical needs of humanity, filling hearts with "food and gladness."
Furthermore, this physical fruitfulness serves as a paradigm for spiritual fruitfulness. God, who enables the earth to be productive, also desires His people to be spiritually productive, bearing the "fruit of the Spirit" and the "fruit of righteousness." Though the specific word G2593 καρποφόρος (karpophóros) is not used for spiritual fruit, the underlying concept of bearing καρπός `{{G2590}}` (fruit) is central to Christian discipleship ([[John 15:8]]). Thus, the καρποφόρος (fruitful) seasons of [[Acts 14:17]] implicitly point to the ultimate source of all fruitfulness, both physical and spiritual, which is God Himself.
### Summary
G2593 καρποφόρος (karpophóros) signifies "fruit-bearing" or "fruitful," combining the concepts of "fruit" (G2590 καρπός) and "to bear" (G5342 φέρω). Its single New Testament occurrence in [[Acts 14:17]] describes God's provision of "fruitful seasons," highlighting His universal goodness and sustaining power through the natural world. This literal usage serves as a witness to God's existence and benevolence, providing for humanity's physical needs. Theologically, G2593 καρποφόρος (karpophóros) underscores God as the ultimate source of all productivity and abundance, linking the physical fruitfulness of creation to the broader biblical theme of spiritual fruitfulness desired from believers. Whether in nature or in the human spirit, fruitfulness ultimately testifies to God's active, benevolent hand.
TRV