ῥιζόω (rhizoō)
rhizoō
to root
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb rhizoō means to cause something to take root, drawing directly from the noun for "root" (rhiza). In Scripture, it is used metaphorically to describe the process of being planted and established firmly in a spiritual context. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both within Paul’s letters: Ephesians 3:17 and Colossians 2:7.
In these passages, the word carries the sense of being deeply grounded or fixed in place. In Ephesians, believers are asked to be rooted in love, suggesting that their spiritual stability depends on this deep, internal connection rather than superficial adherence. Similarly, Colossians urges Christians to be rooted in Christ, implying a secure and unshakeable foundation. The imagery moves beyond mere existence to describe a state of being securely anchored.
This word highlights the importance of depth in faith. Just as a plant needs strong roots to survive storms, the biblical text suggests that spiritual resilience comes from being firmly established in divine love and truth. It is not about initial planting but about the ongoing process of becoming secure and settled in one’s beliefs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhizoō describes a process of taking deep root, much like a tree that draws strength from hidden soil. In Ephesians and Colossians, Paul uses this image to show that spiritual stability does not come from surface-level habits but from a profound connection to Christ and love. This grounding allows believers to remain steady when life becomes turbulent or uncertain.
Being rooted is an ongoing reality rather than a one-time event. It suggests that faith grows stronger over time as it draws nourishment from divine truth. When you feel shaken by circumstances, remember that your security lies in this deep, internal establishment. This foundation provides resilience, helping you stand firm without needing to rely on external validation or temporary comforts.
May you find peace in knowing that your faith is anchored securely. Let this truth encourage you to rest in the stability provided through Christ, growing deeper in trust and love each day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rooted2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐρριζωμένοι2×
Key Verses
-
Ephesians 3:17
that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
This verse links being rooted specifically to love, showing that emotional and spiritual resilience flows from a deep connection to divine affection rather than mere intellectual assent.
-
Colossians 2:7
rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.
Here the word is paired with being built up, illustrating that stability in faith requires both a deep foundation and continuous growth in thankfulness.