ὑγιαίνω (hugiainō)
hugiainō
be healthy
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hugiainō describes a state of being sound, healthy, or well. In the Gospels, it appears in literal contexts, such as when Jesus heals the centurion’s servant (Luke 7:10) or remarks that the sick need a doctor rather than the healthy (Luke 5:31). The word conveys physical wholeness and vitality.
Pastoral epistles extend this meaning metaphorically to spiritual life. Paul uses it to describe believers who are strong in faith, love, and endurance (Titus 2:2), or those whose teaching remains pure and free from error (1 Timothy 1:10). The term suggests that sound doctrine is not merely intellectual but contributes to the overall health of the Christian community.
Its root relates to wholeness and integrity. Translators often render it as "keep" or "remain" when applied to faith, emphasizing stability rather than momentary emotion. This usage highlights a enduring quality of spiritual resilience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word hugiainō carries the simple but profound idea of wholeness. In the Gospels, Jesus uses it to describe physical health, noting that those who are well do not need a doctor (Luke 5:31). This literal usage reminds us that God cares for our bodies and desires our complete well-being.
Later, Paul expands this concept to our spiritual lives. He speaks of 'sound doctrine' and being 'sound in faith' (Titus 2:2). Here, the word suggests stability and integrity. It is not about having a momentary burst of emotion, but about a steady, resilient trust in Christ that endures through life's challenges.
When we pray for spiritual health, we are asking for this kind of wholeness. We seek a faith that is robust in its foundation and practical in its love. May your heart and mind remain healthy in the truth, finding peace in the consistency of God’s promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sound4×
- to sound2×
- to be in good health1×
- they may be sound1×
- of sound1×
- in good health.1×
- in good health1×
- being well1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὑγιαινούσῃ3×
- ὑγιαίνωσιν1×
- ὑγιαίνουσιν1×
- ὑγιαίνοντες1×
- ὑγιαίνοντας1×
- ὑγιαίνοντα.¶1×
- ὑγιαίνοντα1×
- ὑγιαίνειν1×
- ὑγιαινόντων1×
- ὑγιαινούσης1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 5:31
Jesus answered them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Jesus uses this word to highlight that spiritual healing is for those who recognize their need, contrasting them with those who feel self-sufficient.
-
Titus 2:2
that older men should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in perseverance,
Paul applies the term to older men, linking physical soundness with temperance and sobriety as markers of mature Christian character.
-
II Timothy 1:13
Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
The instruction to hold the 'pattern of sound words' emphasizes preserving the integrity of the gospel message against distortion.
-
III John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
John prays for physical health as a parallel to spiritual prosperity, showing that God’s care encompasses both body and soul.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word hugiainō mean?
How is this word different from other words for health?
Why does Paul use this word for doctrine?
Where does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 5 books)
Luke 3 verses
Jesus answered them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.
Luke 7:10Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.
Luke 15:27He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back…