σπουδή (spoudē)
spoudē
diligence
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun spoudē describes a quality of life marked by earnestness and diligence. Derived from the verb for hastening or striving, it moves beyond simple speed to capture the intensity of purpose behind an action. In the New Testament, it characterizes a focused energy applied to spiritual matters, reflecting a heart that is fully engaged in its duties.
Translators often render this word as "diligence," "zeal," or "earnestness" depending on the context. For instance, Paul urges believers to be diligent in their spiritual gifts (Romans 12:11) and commends the Corinthians for their earnestness in giving (2 Corinthians 8:7-8). It also appears in narratives of physical urgency, such as when the daughter of Herodias hastens with the head of John the Baptist (Mark 6:25), showing its range from spiritual fervor to immediate action.
This concept emphasizes that true faith involves active effort. It is not passive waiting but a deliberate striving toward godly ends. The sources highlight how this word connects internal motivation with external results, urging readers to apply themselves fully to the work of the Lord and to one another in love.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word spoudē invites us to look beyond mere busyness. It describes a focused energy applied to what matters most. When we serve, give, or lead, this quality ensures our actions flow from a heart fully engaged with God’s purposes. It is not about frantic speed, but about steady, earnest effort in spiritual duties.
Consider the call in Romans 12:11 to be fervent in spirit and serving the Lord. This diligence connects our internal motivation with external results. It asks us to bring our full attention to our relationships and responsibilities, trusting that God honors such sincere engagement.
We do not strive alone. As seen in 2 Corinthians 8:16, God places this earnest care within our hearts. We can rest in the knowledge that He initiates this desire for holiness and service, empowering us to walk faithfully through each day.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- earnestness6×
- haste2×
- in diligence1×
- earnestness,1×
- diligence,1×
- diligence1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- σπουδὴν5×
- σπουδῆς3×
- σπουδῇ2×
- σπουδῇ,1×
- σπουδήν,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 12:11
not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,
Paul links diligence directly with being fervent in spirit, showing that earnest effort is a mark of genuine service to the Lord.
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Hebrews 6:11
We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end,
The author urges believers to maintain this same diligence toward hope until the end, emphasizing persistence in faith.
-
Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.
Here the word describes an urgent eagerness to defend the faith, highlighting its application in spiritual conflict and truth.