probably from πήγνυμι (through the idea of gushing plumply); a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e. source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring):--fountain, well.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G4077 (πηγή, *pēgḗ*) fundamentally denotes a "fountain," "spring," or "well," referring to a natural source of flowing water. Its etymological root is likely connected to πήγνυμι (*pēgnymi*), conveying the idea of something "gushing forth" or "fixed" in place as a source. While often referring to a literal spring of water, its semantic range extends significantly to encompass any "source" or "supply," whether literal or figurative. This includes the flow of blood in a physiological sense, or metaphorically, a source of spiritual refreshment, life, or even enjoyment. Crucially, the definition notes that it does not necessarily imply the *original* spring, but rather a point of outflow or continuous supply. This distinction allows for its use in contexts where a derived, yet still vital, source is intended.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G4077 appears numerous times in the New Testament, frequently in contexts that elevate its meaning beyond mere physical water.
In the Gospels, we see both literal and figurative uses. At [[John 4:6]], it refers to "Jacob's well" (πηγή), a literal water source. However, in the same chapter, Jesus transforms the meaning profoundly when speaking to the Samaritan woman: "whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring [πηγή] of water welling up to eternal life" ([[John 4:14]]). Here, πηγή becomes a powerful metaphor for the indwelling Holy Spirit and the life-giving salvation offered by Christ.
In the synoptic accounts of the woman with the hemorrhage, πηγή describes the source of her affliction: "And immediately the fountain [πηγή] of her blood was dried up" ([[Mark 5:29]]; cf. [[Luke 8:44]]). This literal usage underscores the cessation of a continuous flow, highlighting the miraculous nature of her healing.
James uses πηγή in an illustrative manner to teach about consistency of character: "Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring [πηγή]?" ([[James 3:11]]). This rhetorical question emphasizes the impossibility of a single source yielding contradictory outcomes, applying it to human speech and wisdom.
In the book of Revelation, πηγή takes on eschatological significance, often appearing in the plural "fountains of waters" (πηγὰς ὑδάτων). The Lamb is depicted as guiding believers "to springs [πηγὰς] of living water" ([[Revelation 7:17]]), a promise of divine sustenance and comfort in the new heavens and new earth. Similarly, God declares, "I will give water to the thirsty from the spring [πηγῆς] of the water of life as a gift" ([[Revelation 21:6]]). Conversely, πηγή is also used in judgment, as angels pour out bowls upon "the rivers and springs [πηγὰς] of water, and they became blood" ([[Revelation 16:4]]). These occurrences underscore πηγή as a critical element of divine provision, judgment, and ultimate restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of G4077 (πηγή) is deeply intertwined with several other biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{G5204}}` (ὕδωρ, *hydōr*):** "Water." πηγή is almost invariably associated with water, often specified as "living water" (ὕδωρ ζῶν, *hydōr zōn*), which carries profound spiritual connotations of life and refreshment.
* **`{{G2222}}` (ζωή, *zōē*):** "Life." The phrase "spring of water welling up to eternal life" ([[John 4:14]]) directly links πηγή to the concept of divine, eternal life, making it a source of spiritual vitality.
* **`{{G4215}}` (ποταμός, *potamos*):** "River." While πηγή signifies a source or spring, ποταμός refers to a larger, flowing body of water, often fed by springs. In [[Revelation 22:1]], the "river of the water of life" flows from the throne, implying a continuous, abundant supply originating from a divine source.
* **`{{G5456}}` (φρέαρ, *phrear*):** "Well" or "pit." φρέαρ typically denotes a man-made excavation for water, such as the "well of Jacob" ([[John 4:11-12]]), whereas πηγή often implies a natural, gushing spring.
* **Hebrew Equivalents:** In the Old Testament, cognate concepts are conveyed by words like `{{H4599}}` (מַעְיָן, *ma'yan*), meaning "spring" or "fountain," and `{{H4726}}` (מָקוֹר, *maqor*), meaning "source" or "fountain," often used figuratively for the source of life or wisdom (e.g., [[Proverbs 4:23]]).
Theologically, πηγή relates to concepts of divine provision, spiritual cleansing, and the origin of life and truth.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G4077 (πηγή) is immense, primarily because it serves as a powerful metaphor for God Himself as the ultimate source of life, salvation, and spiritual sustenance.
In [[John 4:14]], Jesus identifies Himself as the one who provides water that becomes an internal "spring of water welling up to eternal life." This is a foundational statement, positioning Christ as the sole dispenser of true, lasting spiritual satisfaction. This "living water" is widely understood to represent the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and empowers them for eternal life. Thus, πηγή becomes a symbol of the new covenant reality, where God's Spirit is poured out abundantly.
The imagery of πηγή in Revelation reinforces God's character as the benevolent provider. The "fountains of waters of life" ([[Revelation 7:17]], [[Revelation 21:6]]) assure believers of God's complete and eternal provision in the eschatological age, where all thirst will be quenched. This echoes Old Testament themes where God is the "fountain of living waters" ([[Jeremiah 2:13]]) whom Israel forsook. The New Testament confirms that in Christ, this divine fountain is made accessible.
Furthermore, the healing of the woman's πηγή of blood ([[Mark 5:29]]) can be seen as a microcosm of spiritual healing. Her continuous flow of impurity ceased, signifying a restoration to wholeness and purity, a powerful parallel to the cleansing from sin offered through Christ's atoning work.
Finally, the use of πηγή in [[James 3:11-12]] highlights the theological principle of consistency and integrity. Just as a spring cannot produce both fresh and bitter water, so too should a believer's life and speech reflect the singular, pure source of divine wisdom from which they draw.
### Summary
The Greek word G4077 (πηγή, *pēgḗ*) primarily denotes a "fountain" or "spring," a natural source of flowing water, but its semantic range extends to encompass any "source" or "supply," whether literal (like a flow of blood) or figurative (like spiritual refreshment or life). In the New Testament, πηγή carries profound theological weight. Most notably, it is used by Jesus to describe Himself as the source of "living water" ([[John 4:14]]), which becomes an internal "spring" welling up to eternal life, widely interpreted as the indwelling Holy Spirit. The book of Revelation consistently portrays God as providing "springs of living water" ([[Revelation 7:17]], [[Revelation 21:6]]) in the eschatological age, symbolizing ultimate divine provision and satisfaction. Conversely, its use in judgment ([[Revelation 16:4]]) underscores God's sovereignty over all sources. The concept of πηγή thus signifies divine provision, spiritual cleansing, and the origin of eternal life, firmly establishing God as the ultimate, pure, and unfailing source of all good.
TRV