apparently a primary word; a "root" (literally or figuratively):--root.
Transliteration:rhíza
Pronunciation:hrid'-zah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun rhíza (`{{G4491}}`) fundamentally refers to the "root" of a plant, the subterranean part that anchors it and absorbs nutrients. This literal meaning forms the basis for its rich figurative applications. Semantically, rhíza extends to denote:
* The *origin*, *source*, or *beginning* of something.
* The *foundation* or underlying *principle*.
* *Lineage*, *ancestry*, or *stock* (e.g., "root of David").
* The *cause* or *basis* from which something springs forth.
* Figuratively, it can also imply *stability* or *deep establishment*.
As a "primary word," according to its base definition, rhíza carries a foundational significance, not being derived from another term, which underscores its direct and potent imagery.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term rhíza appears approximately 17 times in the New Testament, functioning in both literal and profoundly symbolic ways:
* **Literal Agricultural Contexts:** In the Synoptic Gospels, rhíza often appears in the Parable of the Sower, illustrating the necessity of deep spiritual grounding. Seeds sown on rocky ground, having "no root," wither when the sun comes up, symbolizing those who receive the word with joy but lack depth and fall away under tribulation ([[Matthew 13:6]], [[Mark 4:6]], [[Luke 8:13]]). Similarly, the "axe laid to the root of the trees" by John the Baptist signifies a decisive judgment, cutting off the source of life for those not bearing good fruit ([[Matthew 3:10]], [[Luke 3:9]]).
* **Figurative for Origin/Source:**
* **Jesus as the "Root of David":** This is a key Messianic designation found in [[Revelation 5:5]] and [[Revelation 22:16]]. Drawing from Old Testament prophecies (e.g., [[Isaiah 11:1]], [[Isaiah 11:10]]), it identifies Jesus as the ultimate source and fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, the one from whom the royal line ultimately springs and to whom it points. He is not merely a descendant but the very origin and essence of David's promised lineage.
* **"Root of All Kinds of Evil":** In [[1 Timothy 6:10]], Paul declares, "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Here, rhíza signifies the fundamental source or underlying cause from which various forms of wickedness emerge. It is not money itself, but the inordinate desire for it, that acts as the generative principle of sin.
* **"Root of Bitterness":** [[Hebrews 12:15]] warns against "any root of bitterness" springing up to cause trouble and defile many. This metaphor describes a deeply ingrained source of resentment, malice, or apostasy that, if allowed to fester, can spread its poisonous influence throughout a community.
* **Theological Metaphor for Israel:** In [[Romans 11:16-18]], Paul uses the imagery of an olive tree to explain the relationship between Israel and Gentile believers. The "root" is holy and supports the branches. Here, the "root" represents the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) and God's covenant faithfulness to Israel, from which the entire spiritual heritage, including grafted-in Gentile believers, derives its life and sustenance.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Hebrew Counterparts:** The most direct Hebrew equivalent is `{{H8328}}` (shoresh), which also denotes a literal root and is used figuratively for origin, foundation, or offspring (e.g., [[Job 18:16]], [[Isaiah 11:10]] where Messiah is the "root of Jesse").
* **Greek Cognates and Related Ideas:**
* `{{G4492}}` (rhizoo): The verb "to take root" or "to be rooted," emphasizing stability and firm establishment, as seen in [[Ephesians 3:17]] ("rooted and grounded in love") and [[Colossians 2:7]] ("rooted and built up in him").
* `{{G2310}}` (themelios): "Foundation," a related concept conveying the underlying support or basis upon which something is built (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 3:10-11]]).
* `{{G1343}}` (dikaiosyne): "Righteousness," which can be seen as the "root" or source of upright living.
* `{{G3966}}` (patēr): "Father," often the "root" of a family line.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of rhíza is profound and multi-faceted:
* **Spiritual Depth and Endurance:** The parables of the sower underscore the critical need for deep spiritual roots for genuine faith to endure trials and bear fruit. Superficiality, a lack of rhíza, leads to spiritual decay. This emphasizes the importance of a robust, internal spiritual life firmly grounded in Christ.
* **Divine Origin and Messianic Identity:** Jesus being "the Root of David" is a cornerstone of Christology. It affirms His unique identity as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, establishing His divine authority and eternal kingship. He is not merely a descendant but the very source and sustainer of the Davidic line's ultimate purpose.
* **Covenant Continuity and Grace:** In [[Romans 11]], the "root" of Israel highlights God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It illustrates that Gentile believers are not a separate tree but are grafted into the established spiritual heritage of Israel, drawing sustenance from God's historical work with His chosen people. This emphasizes the unity of God's redemptive plan and the gracious inclusion of Gentiles.
* **Source of Sin and Corruption:** The concept of rhíza also illuminates the insidious nature of sin. Identifying the "love of money" as a *root* of evil reveals that sin often stems from deeply embedded desires and attitudes rather than isolated acts. Similarly, a "root of bitterness" warns against allowing unaddressed sin or resentment to fester, as it can corrupt and defile an entire community, hindering grace.
* **Radical Judgment:** The image of the "axe laid to the root" vividly portrays God's decisive and thorough judgment against unrighteousness and unfruitfulness. It signifies a cutting off from the very source of life and blessing for those who reject His way.
### Summary
The Greek word rhíza (`{{G4491}}`), meaning "root," carries significant theological weight beyond its literal botanical sense. It consistently points to the fundamental *origin*, *source*, or *foundation* of something. In the New Testament, rhíza emphasizes the necessity of deep spiritual grounding for enduring faith ([[Matthew 13:6]]), illustrates Jesus' divine Messianic identity as "the Root of David" ([[Revelation 5:5]]), and illuminates God's enduring covenant faithfulness to Israel as the "root" from which Gentile believers draw life ([[Romans 11:16]]). Conversely, it identifies the underlying causes of sin, such as "the love of money" being a "root of all kinds of evil" ([[1 Timothy 6:10]]), or a "root of bitterness" that can corrupt a community ([[Hebrews 12:15]]). Across its various uses, rhíza underscores the critical importance of a firm and true foundation, whether in personal faith, divine lineage, or the source of moral behavior.
TRV