The Greek word hygiḗs, represented by G5199, means healthy or whole. Its definition includes being well (in body) and, figuratively, true (in doctrine). It appears 14 times across 14 unique verses, primarily describing states of physical and spiritual soundness.
In the biblical narrative, G5199 is frequently used to describe the outcome of Jesus' miracles of healing. A man at the pool of Bethesda is asked, "Wilt thou be made whole G5199?" John 5:6, and is later told, "thou art made whole G5199: sin no more" John 5:14. The word signifies a complete restoration from various ailments, including a withered hand that was restored whole Matthew 12:13, or being made whole from a plague Mark 5:34. This restoration serves as a public sign of divine power, as when a man stands "before you whole G5199" by the name of Jesus Christ Acts 4:10.
Several related words expand on the concept of restoration and health:
- G600 apokathístēmi (to reconstitute): This word is directly linked to the act of healing, used when a man's hand was restored G600 whole G5199 Mark 3:5.
- G1096 gínomai (to become): This verb often describes the transition into a state of health, such as when a man was made G1096 whole G5199 John 5:9 or when someone was healed of whatsoever disease G3553 he had John 5:4.
- G264 hamartánō (to sin): This word highlights the connection between physical condition and spiritual conduct, as the man made whole G5199 is warned to sin G264 no more John 5:14.
The theological weight of G5199 extends from the physical to the spiritual realm.
- Demonstration of Divine Power: The use of G5199 in healing miracles serves as a sign of divine authority. When the multitude saw the maimed made whole G5199, they glorified G1392 the God of Israel Matthew 15:31.
- Spiritual Soundness: The word is applied figuratively to doctrine and character. Titus 2:8 calls for "sound G5199 speech, that cannot be condemned," shifting the meaning from bodily wellness to spiritual integrity.
- Wholeness and Sin: A direct link between physical restoration and spiritual state is made in the command to the man who was made whole G5199. He is told to sin G264 no more, lest a "worse thing G5501" come upon him John 5:14.
In summary, G5199 conveys a powerful concept of complete restoration. It begins with the literal, observable healing of the body, making a person whole from disease John 5:4 or disability Luke 6:10. This physical wholeness serves as a foundation for understanding the deeper, figurative meaning of spiritual health and doctrinal truth, as seen in the call for sound speech Titus 2:8. The word illustrates how Christ's work brings restoration, addressing both physical and spiritual brokenness.
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