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 word **hygiaínō**, represented by `{{G5198}}`, is defined as having sound health or, figuratively, being uncorrupt and true in doctrine. It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used both literally to describe physical well-being and metaphorically to refer to the health and integrity of Christian teaching.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5198}}` carries a dual meaning of physical and spiritual soundness. In the Gospels, it refers to literal health, as when Jesus states that "They that are **whole** need not a physician" [[Luke 5:31]], or when the prodigal son is received "**safe and sound**" by his father [[Luke 15:27]]. A similar sense is found in 3 John, which expresses a wish for the recipient to "be in **health**" [[3 John 1:2]]. In the pastoral epistles, the word's focus shifts to spiritual and doctrinal integrity. It is frequently used to describe **sound** doctrine [[Titus 2:1]], **wholesome** words [[1 Timothy 6:3]], and the necessity of being **sound** in the faith [[Titus 1:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of spiritual and doctrinal health:
* `{{G1319}}` **didaskalía**: Defined as **doctrine, learning, teaching**. This word is frequently modified by `{{G5198}}` to form the phrase "sound **doctrine**" ([[2 Timothy 4:3]], [[Titus 1:9]], [[Titus 2:1]]), indicating that biblical teaching must be healthy and uncorrupted.
* `{{G3056}}` **lógos**: Meaning **word, doctrine, or saying**, this term refers to the substance of what is taught. The command to "Hold fast the form of sound **words**" [[2 Timothy 1:13]] and to consent to **wholesome** words [[1 Timothy 6:3]] ties doctrinal health directly to the specific teachings of Christ and the apostles.
* `{{G4102}}` **pístis**: Defined as **faith, belief, or assurance**. Sound teaching is intended to produce a healthy faith. Paul instructs that elders should be "sound in **faith**" [[Titus 2:2]] and that those who are led astray by false teachers must be rebuked so "they may be sound in the **faith**" [[Titus 1:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5198}}` is significant, highlighting the vital nature of correct belief.
* **Doctrinal Purity as Health:** The repeated use of `{{G5198}}` establishes a powerful metaphor where true doctrine is life-giving and healthy, while false teaching is a corrupting sickness. The warning that people will not endure **sound** doctrine underscores this danger [[2 Timothy 4:3]].
* **A Standard for Leadership:** Soundness in faith and doctrine is a non-negotiable qualification for church leaders. An elder must hold firmly to the faith so he can use **sound** doctrine to encourage and refute opposition [[Titus 1:9]], and aged men are to be examples of being **sound** in faith [[Titus 2:2]].
* **Holistic Well-being:** The word’s application to both body and spirit points to a holistic understanding of a person's well-being. The prayer for a believer to prosper and "be in **health**, even as thy soul prospereth" [[3 John 1:2]] directly connects physical wellness with spiritual vitality.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5198}}` is much more than a term for physical wellness. It serves as a crucial theological concept, equating doctrinal integrity with health and vitality. It illustrates that the teachings of the faith are not merely intellectual propositions but are considered the foundation for spiritual life, wholeness, and maturity. The word connects the literal idea of a sound body to the essential nature of a sound and uncorrupted faith.
TRV