ἐκτρέφω (ektrephō)
ektrephō
to nourish/rear
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb ektrephō describes the active process of nurturing someone to maturity. It combines a prefix meaning "out" with a root for feeding or nourishing, suggesting a sustained effort that brings growth to its full potential. In Scripture, this word appears only twice, both within Paul’s letters to the Ephesians.
Its usage highlights two distinct but related applications. First, it refers to raising children with care and guidance, as seen in Ephesians 6:4 where parents are instructed not to provoke their children but to bring them up in this manner. Second, it describes physical nourishment, such as how Christ cares for the church body, likened to a person feeding and caring for their own flesh in Ephesians 5:29.
This term emphasizes the responsibility of the caregiver rather than just the act of giving food. It implies a long-term commitment to development, whether in the spiritual formation of a child or the physical sustenance of the community. The word underscores that true care involves bringing something from infancy to its intended state of health and maturity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ektrephō describes a deep, active commitment to nurturing growth until maturity. It is not merely about providing basic needs, but involves a sustained effort to bring something from its earliest stages into full health and potential. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, both in Paul’s letters, highlighting its importance for understanding how care should be exercised.
For parents, this means raising children with gentle guidance rather than harshness, fostering an environment where they can grow in faith. For the church community, it reminds us that we are called to care for one another as Christ cares for His body, ensuring no member is left behind or neglected. This kind of love requires patience and consistency.
Whether you are raising a family or supporting fellow believers, remember that true nourishment builds lasting strength. May your efforts reflect the same selfless care that Christ shows to us all.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- he nourishes1×
- do bring up1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκτρέφετε1×
- ἐκτρέφει1×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 5:29
For no man ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly,
This verse uses ektrephō to illustrate how Christ actively sustains and cherishes the church, showing that spiritual care involves ongoing provision rather than occasional aid.
-
Ephesians 6:4
You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Here, the word calls fathers to nurture children with discipline and instruction, emphasizing that raising kids requires intentional, loving engagement rather than mere control.