δεῦρο (deuro)
deuro
come
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word deuro is a simple but urgent adverb meaning "hither" or "come here." It functions as a direct call to movement, urging someone to approach the speaker or move toward a specific location. In the New Testament, it appears in nine verses, often attached to verbs of motion to emphasize direction and immediacy.
Its usage ranges from personal invitations to divine summons. Jesus uses it when inviting the rich young ruler to follow him (Mark 10:21), and Stephen recalls God’s call to Moses with this term (Acts 7:34). The Apostle John also employs it in Revelation, where an angel invites him to see what is about to happen (Revelation 17:1; 21:9), highlighting the word’s role in bridging the gap between the observer and the revealed truth.
While primarily spatial, the sources note a temporal nuance in Revelation 1:13, where it can imply "now" or "hitherto," though this is less common. The term lacks the complex emotional layers of other Greek words for love or friendship; instead, it is purely functional and directive. It serves as a linguistic bridge, pulling the listener from their current position into the presence of the speaker or the reality being described.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word deuro is a simple but urgent invitation to move closer. In the New Testament, it often appears when Jesus calls someone to follow Him more deeply. He uses it with the rich young ruler, inviting him to leave behind his wealth and come into a new life of discipleship. This is not just about physical movement; it is a call to trust and intimacy.
God also uses this word to draw us out of old patterns and into His purpose. When God spoke to Moses, He said, "Come," urging him toward a mission that would change history. Similarly, in Revelation, angels use this term to show believers the future hope of God’s kingdom. It reminds us that God is actively reaching out, bridging the gap between our current state and the reality He wants us to experience.
This word invites you to respond to His call today. Whether it is a call to serve, to learn, or to simply draw near in prayer, deuro signals that God is present and waiting for your response. It is an invitation to step out of hesitation and into the peace of following Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- come4×
- come,2×
- Come here,2×
- present,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δεῦρο,5×
- δεῦρο4×
Key Verses
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Mark 10:21
Jesus looking at him loved him, and said to him, “One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross.”
Jesus uses this urgent call to invite the rich young ruler to trade his possessions for a deeper relationship with Him.
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Acts 7:34
I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.’
God uses this term to commission Moses, shifting him from observer to active deliverer of His people.
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Revelation of John 21:9
One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls which were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”
An angel uses this word to direct John’s attention toward the ultimate hope of the New Jerusalem.