Word Study for G5453 (φύω) | Strong's Concordance

phýō /foo'-o/ Ask about this word

Meaninga primary verb; probably originally, to "puff" or blow, i.e. to swell up; but only used in the implied sense, to germinate or grow (sprout, produce), literally or figuratively

KJV usagespring (up).

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of phýō — 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 phýō, represented by G5453, is a primary verb used in its implied sense to mean to germinate or grow. Though its origins may relate to puffing or swelling up, its scriptural use is to describe something that sprouts or is produced, both literally and figuratively. It appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G5453 illustrates the initial phase of growth and its potential outcomes. In the parable of the sower, a seed that falls on a rock is said to have sprung up but then withered because it lacked moisture Luke 8:6. In contrast, the seed that fell on good ground also sprang up but went on to bear fruit Luke 8:8. Figuratively, the term is used as a warning against a "root of bitterness" springing up among believers, which can cause trouble and defile many Hebrews 12:15.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context of germination and its results:

G4491 rhíza (a "root"): This is the source from which growth occurs. It is used to describe the "root of bitterness" that springs up Hebrews 12:15, and also figuratively for Jesus as the "Root of David" Revelation 22:16.
G2590 karpós (fruit): This represents the mature product of successful growth. After a seed springs up on good ground, it bears fruit Luke 8:8. It is also used to describe the fruit of the Spirit Galatians 5:22.
G3583 xēraínō (to wither away): This word describes the failure of growth. A plant that springs up without proper moisture will have withered away Luke 8:6. Similarly, a branch that does not abide in the vine is withered John 15:6.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G5453 lies in its depiction of beginnings and their consequences.

Conditions for Growth: The word highlights that germination is not enough; the environment is critical. Growth that springs up on rocky ground fails Luke 8:6, while growth in good soil thrives Luke 8:8, illustrating the need for a receptive heart.
Potential for Good or Evil: The act of "springing up" is neutral. It can describe a plant that produces life-giving fruit Luke 8:8 or a bitter root that produces defilement and trouble Hebrews 12:15.
The Inevitable Outcome of a Source: The term demonstrates that what is planted or allowed to take root will eventually spring up. A seed produces a plant, and a "root of bitterness" produces corruption, emphasizing accountability for what is allowed to grow.

Summary

In summary, G5453 is a concise verb that captures the critical moment of germination. It is used to illustrate foundational spiritual truths about the origins of both life and corruption. Whether describing a literal plant or a figurative root, the word shows that what springs up is a direct consequence of its source and its surroundings, leading to either fruitfulness or decay.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 2 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

2nd Aorist Passive Participle Nominative Singular Neuter 2×
Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter: Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

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

Appears in 3 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke (2 verses); never once in the other 25.

Luke

Hebrews

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, 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.