φυγή (phugē)
phugē
flight
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phugē simply means flight or the act of fleeing. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both times in the Gospels where Jesus describes the coming destruction of Jerusalem. It captures the urgent, physical movement of people escaping a disaster rather than a metaphorical retreat.
Its usage is grounded in immediate survival. When Jesus warns his followers to pray that their flight will not be in winter or on a Sabbath (Matthew 24:20), he uses phugē to describe a literal escape from danger. The word conveys the necessity of leaving one’s home and possessions behind to preserve life.
Derived from the verb pheugō, which means to flee or take refuge, phugē focuses on the event itself. It is not about cowardice but about the practical need to evade impending judgment. This concrete sense helps readers understand the gravity of Jesus’ warnings in the Olivet Discourse.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word φυγὴ (phugē) appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Jesus’ warnings about the coming destruction of Jerusalem. It refers to a literal, urgent flight for survival. When Jesus told his followers to pray that their flight would not be in winter or on a Sabbath, He was speaking of immediate physical danger, not a spiritual metaphor. This reminds us that faith often involves practical wisdom and timely action.
In our own lives, we may face seasons where we must leave behind comfort or routine to preserve what matters most. Jesus’ words encourage us to stay alert and ready. We do not need to panic, but we should remain aware of the times around us. Trusting God means preparing our hearts and our plans with care.
This simple word invites us to consider how we respond to change. Whether facing sudden hardship or gradual shifts in life, we can look to Christ for guidance. He knows the future and cares for our safety. We are called to be watchful, not fearful, knowing that God is with us in every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- flight2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φυγὴ2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 24:20
Pray that your flight will not be in the winter nor on a Sabbath,
Jesus links this word to the need for prayer during a time of imminent crisis, highlighting the practical necessity of escape.
-
Mark 13:18
Pray that your flight won’t be in the winter.
This occurrence emphasizes the urgency of the warning by specifying that winter conditions would make flight particularly difficult.