from ὑγιής; to have sound health, i.e. be well (in body); figuratively, to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine):--be in health, (be safe and) sound, (be) whole(-some).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb *ὑγιαίνω* (hygiaínō), Strong's number `{{G5198}}`, is derived from the adjective *ὑγιής* (hygiēs, `{{G5199}}`), meaning "healthy," "sound," or "whole." Its primary and literal meaning is "to be in sound health," "to be well," or "to be whole in body." This denotes a state of physical well-being, free from illness or infirmity.
Beyond its literal medical sense, *ὑγιαίνω* develops a crucial figurative meaning, particularly in the New Testament. It extends to describe a state of spiritual or doctrinal integrity, signifying "to be uncorrupt," "to be true in doctrine," or "to be sound in faith." The unifying concept across both literal and figurative uses is that of "soundness" – a state of being unimpaired, wholesome, and free from defect or corruption, whether in the physical body or in spiritual truth.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb *ὑγιαίνω* appears 12 times in the New Testament, with a notable distribution that highlights its semantic development.
In its literal sense of physical health, it is found in the Gospels:
* In [[Luke 5:31]], Jesus states, "They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick." Here, *ὑγιαίνω* ("whole") refers to those in good physical health, contrasting with the "sick."
* Similarly, in [[Luke 7:10]], after Jesus heals the centurion's servant, the messengers "found the servant whole." This signifies a complete restoration to physical health.
The majority of occurrences, however, are found in the Pastoral Epistles (1 and 2 Timothy, Titus), where Paul consistently employs *ὑγιαίνω* in its figurative sense to describe the soundness of Christian doctrine and the corresponding spiritual health it produces:
* In [[1 Timothy 1:10]], Paul lists various sins that are "contrary to sound doctrine" (τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ). This is one of the clearest examples of the figurative use, equating doctrinal truth with health and purity.
* [[1 Timothy 6:3]] warns against those who "consent not to wholesome words (ὑγιαινοῦσιν λόγοις), even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness." Here, the "words" and "doctrine" are described as "wholesome" or "sound," indicating their life-giving and uncorrupted nature.
* Paul exhorts Timothy to "hold fast the form of sound words (ὑγιαινόντων λόγων)" in [[2 Timothy 1:13]], emphasizing the importance of preserving the integrity of the gospel message.
* [[2 Timothy 4:3]] predicts a time when people "will not endure sound doctrine (τῆς ὑγιαινούσης διδασκαλίας)," preferring teachings that cater to their own desires. This underscores the challenge of maintaining doctrinal purity.
* In Titus, the theme of soundness is particularly prominent:
* [[Titus 1:9]] requires an elder to be "able by sound doctrine (τῇ ὑγιαινούσῃ διδασκαλίᾳ) both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." Sound doctrine is essential for effective leadership and defense of the faith.
* [[Titus 1:13]] instructs Titus to "rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith (ὑγιαίνωσιν ἐν τῇ πίστει)." Here, the concept of soundness moves from doctrine to the faith of the believers themselves, implying a robust and uncorrupted spiritual state.
* Finally, [[Titus 2:2]] exhorts older men to "be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith (ὑγιαίνοντας τῇ πίστει), in charity, in patience." This verse broadens the scope of "soundness" to encompass the full character of a mature believer, rooted in healthy faith.
The consistent use in the Pastoral Epistles demonstrates a deliberate theological application of the word, shifting from physical well-being to the spiritual health of individuals and the church, directly tied to the purity of truth.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the adjective *ὑγιής* (hygiēs, `{{G5199}}`), from which *ὑγιαίνω* is derived. This adjective also carries the dual meaning of physical health and spiritual/doctrinal soundness (e.g., [[Acts 4:10]], [[Titus 2:8]]).
Concepts related to *ὑγιαίνω* in its physical sense include healing (*ἰάομαι* `{{G2390}}`, *θεραπεύω* `{{G2323}}`), wholeness, and restoration.
In its figurative, doctrinal sense, *ὑγιαίνω* is closely associated with:
* Truth (*ἀλήθεια* `{{G225}}`): Sound doctrine is by definition true doctrine.
* Purity (*ἁγνεία* `{{G53}}`): Uncorrupted doctrine is pure doctrine.
* Godliness (*εὐσέβεια* `{{G2150}}`): Sound doctrine leads to godly living.
* Integrity: Both intellectual and spiritual integrity are implied by "soundness."
* Orthodoxy: The concept of right belief and teaching.
Antithetical concepts include sickness, corruption, error (*πλάνη* `{{G4106}}`), false teaching (*ψευδοδιδάσκαλος* `{{G5572}}`), and spiritual decay. The contrast between "sound doctrine" and "fables" or "myths" (e.g., [[1 Timothy 1:4]], [[Titus 1:14]]) highlights the importance of discerning truth from error.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *ὑγιαίνω* is profound, particularly as it evolves from a descriptor of physical health to a critical term for spiritual and doctrinal integrity within the early Church.
1. **Holistic Well-being:** The word implicitly suggests a biblical understanding of health that transcends mere physical absence of disease. True well-being, from a Christian perspective, encompasses the spiritual and intellectual dimensions of a person. Just as the body needs to be sound, so too does the soul and mind require health through truth.
2. **The Vitality of Sound Doctrine:** In the Pastoral Epistles, *ὑγιαίνω* becomes a cornerstone for understanding the nature of true Christian teaching. "Sound doctrine" is not merely correct information; it is doctrine that is healthy, wholesome, and life-giving. It nourishes the soul, builds up the church, and produces godly character. Conversely, unsound doctrine is depicted as a spiritual sickness or corruption that harms individuals and the community of faith.
3. **Pastoral Responsibility:** The frequent use of *ὑγιαίνω* in Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus underscores the immense responsibility of church leaders to uphold, teach, and protect sound doctrine. Their role is akin to spiritual physicians, ensuring the spiritual health of the flock by guarding against doctrinal impurities and promoting wholesome truth.
4. **Discipleship and Character Formation:** When believers are exhorted to be "sound in faith" (e.g., [[Titus 1:13]], [[Titus 2:2]]), it speaks to a deep, internal spiritual health that manifests in stable character, steadfastness, and maturity. This soundness is not merely intellectual assent but a robust spiritual vitality that withstands trials and temptations.
5. **A Standard for Truth:** The concept of "soundness" provides a clear criterion for evaluating teaching and practice. Any doctrine that is not "sound" is, by implication, unhealthy, corrupting, and ultimately detrimental to spiritual life. This emphasizes the non-negotiable nature of biblical truth for the health and purity of the Church.
### Summary
The Greek verb *ὑγιαίνω* (hygiaínō, `{{G5198}}`) primarily denotes physical health and wholeness. However, its theological significance deepens considerably in the New Testament, particularly in the Pastoral Epistles, where it metaphorically describes the uncorrupted nature of Christian doctrine and the resulting spiritual health of believers. "Sound doctrine" (ὑγιαινοῦσα διδασκαλία) is presented as essential for the life and purity of the Church, fostering spiritual well-being and godly character. The word thus encapsulates a holistic vision of health—physical, spiritual, and doctrinal—underscoring the vital importance of truth for genuine flourishing in faith. It serves as a constant reminder of the Church's calling to uphold and embody the wholesome words of God, ensuring its enduring vitality and faithfulness.
TRV