English · KJV
G4705

σπουδαῖος

spoudaîos /spoo-dah'-yos/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom σπουδή
Meaningprompt, energetic, earnest
KJV usagediligent.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of spoudaîos — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word spoudaîos, represented by G4705, is defined as being prompt, energetic, and earnest. Derived from σπουδή, it appears 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible. While its usage is rare, it conveys a significant quality of active, tested, and sincere service.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The single biblical use of G4705 is found in 2 Corinthians 8:22. In this verse, Paul commends a fellow believer who is being sent to the Corinthian church, stating, "we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things." This context establishes the word not as a description of a fleeting emotion, but as a proven character trait observed through repeated experience in a variety of matters.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand on the concept of earnestness and its driving forces:

  • G4707 spoudaióteros (more diligent (forward)): As the comparative form of G4705, this word means "more prompt, more earnest." It appears in the same verse to show an increase in the brother's diligence, but is also used to describe someone who acted with eagerness "of his own accord" 2 Corinthians 8:17.
  • G4006 pepoíthēsis (confidence, trust): This term for reliance is directly connected to diligence in 2 Corinthians 8:22. The brother becomes "more diligent" specifically because of the "great confidence" Paul has in the Corinthians. This shows a link between trust and inspired action. The term is also used for the confidence believers have through Christ Ephesians 3:12.

Theological Significance

The practical significance of G4705 is centered on Christian character and motivation.

  • Proven Character: The word is applied to a brother who has been "proved diligent," highlighting the value of consistency and reliability in service 2 Corinthians 8:22. It points to a character that is dependable.
  • Motivation Through Confidence: The progression from "diligent" G4705 to "more diligent" G4707 is fueled by confidence G4006. This demonstrates that expressing trust in others can inspire them to greater levels of earnestness and active service.

Summary

In summary, spoudaîos G4705 offers a precise depiction of a person with a tested, energetic, and sincere character. Its lone occurrence in scripture provides a powerful example of how such diligence is recognized and valued. It illustrates a dynamic where proven earnestness is further amplified by the trust and confidence that exists within the community of faith.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists one rendering for this word. It is counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the number is how many of them use it. Select it to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as an adjective and an adverb across 4 occurrences, inflected in 4 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form. Select any form to read what each part of its name means, and to filter the occurrence list to it. These are this word’s own inflections, not words built from it — for those, see Related Words.

  • σπουδαῖον
  • σπουδαιότερον
  • σπουδαίως
  • σπουδαιότερος

Related Words

Related

Words formed from this one

1 entry in Strong’s name this word as its origin. These are its derivatives — a different relationship from the inflected forms above, which are this same word bent by grammar.

G4709 σπουδαίως earnestly, promptly

Also mentioned in the study

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

G4707 σπουδαιότερος more prompt, more earnest G4006 πεποίθησις reliance

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

1 verse, all in 2 Corinthians — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, by grammatical form, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.