φειδομένως (pheidomenōs)
pheidomenōs
sparingly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb pheidomenōs translates simply to "sparingly." It derives from the verb pheidomai, which means to spare, withhold, or be stingy with something. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in 2 Corinthians 9:6.
Paul uses it to describe how a person sows seeds into the ground. Just as a farmer who scatters seed too lightly gets a poor harvest, someone who gives sparingly will also reap little. The term captures an attitude of holding back resources rather than giving them freely.
This single occurrence highlights the connection between generosity and abundance in Christian teaching. Paul contrasts this sparing approach with one of bountiful giving, suggesting that the measure of our giving directly influences the outcome we experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pheidomenōs appears just once in the New Testament, tucked into Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. It describes a farmer who scatters seed too lightly, holding back what could have been a full harvest. This image reminds us that how we give often shapes what we receive. When we hold tightly to our resources, fearing lack or wanting to keep more for ourselves, our lives tend to reflect that same scarcity.
Paul does not ask you to give out of guilt or pressure. Instead, he invites a different rhythm: one where trust leads to generosity. Giving bountifully is not about buying favor with God but about living in the freedom of His provision. It is an act of faith that says, “God has enough for me, and I can share it.”
This teaching encourages a heart that looks beyond immediate security. It suggests that when we release what we have, even when it feels risky, we align ourselves with a God who multiplies grace. The result is not just material increase but a deeper confidence in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sparingly2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φειδομένως2×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 9:6
Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Paul uses the adverb pheidomenōs here to contrast withholding seed with generous sowing, showing that our giving attitude directly affects our spiritual and material harvest.