### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **orýssō**, represented by `{{G3736}}`, is a primary verb meaning to "burrow" in the ground, or to **dig**. It appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses**, making its usage specific and focused. The term describes the physical act of excavating the earth, either as an act of preparation or concealment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3736}}` is used in two key parables that present contrasting purposes for the action. In the parable of the vineyard, a householder **digged** a winepress, a constructive act of establishing infrastructure for future production ([[Matthew 21:33]], [[Mark 12:1]]). Conversely, the parable of the talents describes an unfaithful servant who **digged** in the earth to hide his lord's money, an action resulting from fear and leading to unproductiveness [[Matthew 25:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which the act to **dig** takes place:
* `{{G5452}}` **phyteúō** (to set out in the earth, i.e. implant): This action precedes digging in the vineyard parables, where a man first **planted** a vineyard before preparing its other features [[Mark 12:1]].
* `{{G3618}}` **oikodoméō** (to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or confirm): Paired with digging, this word shows the comprehensive preparation of the vineyard, which included the act to **build** a tower [[Matthew 21:33]].
* `{{G613}}` **apokrýptō** (to conceal away (i.e. fully); figuratively, to keep secret): This word reveals the unproductive purpose of digging in the parable of the talents, where the servant dug in the earth in order to **hide** his master's money [[Matthew 25:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3736}}` is seen in its contrasting applications, highlighting principles of stewardship.
* **Faithful Preparation:** In the vineyard parables, digging is an act of diligent investment. The householder **digged** a winepress, demonstrating foresight and providing all necessary components for the husbandmen to be fruitful [[Matthew 21:33]].
* **Unfaithful Inactivity:** In the parable of the talents, the same physical act of digging represents a failure in stewardship. The servant **digged** not to produce, but to **hide** `{{G613}}` what was entrusted to him, turning an act of labor into an act of concealment [[Matthew 25:18]].
* **Creating Opportunity:** The digging of a winepress is part of a larger system of development that includes planting `{{G5452}}` and building `{{G3618}}`, illustrating a principle of creating a complete environment for productivity.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3736}}` **orýssō** is a straightforward term for the act to **dig**. While its literal meaning is simple, its biblical usage in parables gives it a dual significance. It can represent either wise, productive preparation as seen in the digging of a winepress [[Matthew 21:33]], or fearful, unproductive stewardship as seen in digging a hole to hide money [[Matthew 25:18]]. The word illustrates that the value of an action is defined by its ultimate purpose—whether to build up and produce, or to conceal and stagnate.
TRV