βρύω (bruō)
bruō
to pour
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb bruoō describes a state of being so full that contents spill over or burst forth. In classical and later Greek usage, it often depicts the earth teeming with vegetation or plants pushing out buds with such vigor that they seem to overflow their natural boundaries. The word carries a sense of abundance that cannot be contained.
Its single New Testament appearance in James 3:11 applies this imagery to water springs. The question asks whether a spring can pour out both fresh and salt water, using bruoō to emphasize the forceful gushing of the source. This usage highlights the inherent nature of the origin; just as a spring naturally bursts forth its specific kind of water, so too does a person’s speech flow from their inner character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word bruō paints a vivid picture of abundance so great that it spills over its boundaries. In James 3:11, this forceful pouring describes how a spring releases water. The image is not just about movement, but about the inherent nature of the source. A healthy spring does not struggle to produce fresh water; it simply pours it out because that is what it contains.
This truth offers comfort when we examine our own speech. Just as a spring cannot change its nature overnight, our words flow from the deep well of our hearts. When life feels chaotic, remember that consistency comes from inner renewal rather than forced effort. God works in us to align our hearts with His grace, so that what pours out eventually reflects His peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pours forth1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βρύει1×
Key Verses
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James 3:11
Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water?
This verse uses the word to emphasize the natural, forceful gushing of water from a spring, illustrating that speech flows inevitably from the heart's condition.