ποτίζω

potízō /pot-id'-zo/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom a derivative of the alternate of πίνω
Meaningto furnish drink, irrigate
KJV usagegive (make) to drink, feed, water.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word potízō, represented by G4222, means to furnish drink, irrigate. It appears 23 times across 15 unique verses in the Bible. Its core meaning involves the act of giving a drink or watering, but it is also used to describe the act of feeding and is applied in significant figurative contexts.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its literal sense, G4222 is used to describe fundamental acts of care and hospitality. This includes giving drink to the thirsty, which is identified as a righteous act Matthew 25:35, and the failure to do so is condemned Matthew 25:42. The act extends even to one's enemies, as believers are instructed, "if he thirst, give him drink" Romans 12:20. On a more agricultural note, it is used for watering animals, such as an ox G1016 or ass G3688 Luke 13:15. Figuratively, the word illustrates ministerial roles, as when Paul states, "I have planted, Apollos watered" 1 Corinthians 3:6, and it is also used to describe Babylon making nations drink the wine of wrath Revelation 14:8.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G4222 is used:

  • G5452 phyteúō (to set out in the earth, i.e. implant): This word for "plant" is used in direct parallel with "water" to describe complementary roles in ministry, where one plants the seed and another waters it 1 Corinthians 3:6-8.
  • G1372 dipsáō (to thirst for): This term describes the state of need that G4222 remedies. The act of giving a drink is a direct response to someone who is thirsty (Matthew 25:35, Romans 12:20).
  • G1051 gála (milk): This word is used as the object of G4222 in a key figurative passage about spiritual immaturity, where Paul explains, "I have fed you with milk" 1 Corinthians 3:2, meaning he gave them foundational teachings to drink.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G4222 is evident in its application to spiritual truths.

  • Christian Service: Providing a drink is a benchmark for Christian charity. Jesus states that giving drink to the thirsty is equivalent to giving it to Him Matthew 25:37 and that even giving a disciple a cup of water will not go without a reward Matthew 10:42.
  • Spiritual Nurturing: Paul uses the word to describe the process of discipleship, where new believers are given milk G1051 to drink, as they are not yet ready for solid meat G1033 1 Corinthians 3:2. This illustrates a tender, nurturing role in ministry.
  • Collaborative Ministry: The analogy of one planting and another watering highlights that different ministers have different roles, but it is ultimately God who giveth the increase G837 1 Corinthians 3:7.
  • Spiritual Reality: The word is used to describe the universal Christian experience of being "all made to drink into one Spirit," signifying a shared source of spiritual life and unity in the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:13.

Summary

In summary, G4222 moves from a simple, physical action to a metaphor for significant spiritual realities. It encompasses the literal act of giving water to the thirsty, the agricultural process of irrigating plants, and the theological concepts of Christian charity, spiritual discipleship, and divine judgment. The word demonstrates how a basic human act of providing a drink is elevated in Scripture to represent our duty to one another and the essential work of ministry in the life of the church.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 15 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Plural 2×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 2×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 1st Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Perfect Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 15 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Matthew (5 verses).

5
Matthew
2
Mark
1
Luke
1
Romans
5
1 Corinthians
1
Revelation

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