φύω (phuō)
phuō
to grow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phuō describes the natural process of growth or sprouting. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, primarily in Luke and Hebrews, to illustrate how life emerges from the earth. It captures the quiet, organic action of plants pushing through soil, whether they are seedlings taking root or shoots reaching for light.
Its usage highlights a contrast between potential and reality. In Luke 8:6 and 8, Jesus uses it to depict seeds that either wither because they lack depth or grow into healthy plants when they find good ground. The word emphasizes the internal vitality of the seed itself, showing how life springs up according to its nature when conditions allow.
Hebrews 12:15 employs the term metaphorically, warning against a "root of bitterness" that might spring up to cause trouble. This usage connects the physical act of sprouting with moral consequences, suggesting that just as plants grow from roots, attitudes and actions emerge from deep-seated inner states.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for 'to grow' in these passages reminds us that life often begins quietly. Seeds push through soil without fanfare, relying on their own nature and the right conditions to sprout. This natural process mirrors how faith develops within us. It is not always loud or immediate, but it is real and purposeful.
Jesus uses this image to show that our spiritual health depends on where we place our attention. When we stay rooted in good ground, growth happens naturally. But when we are shallow or distracted, even strong beginnings can wither away. This encourages us to tend to the soil of our hearts daily.
We also see a warning about bitterness springing up like a weed. Just as plants grow from roots, our attitudes shape our lives. By staying connected to grace, we allow healthy growth to replace harmful patterns. This offers hope that change is possible when we nurture what is good.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- having sprung up2×
- springing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φυὲν2×
- φύουσα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 8:6
Some seed fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture.
This verse shows how quickly growth can fail when there is no depth, highlighting the need for resilient foundations.
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Luke 8:8
Some fell into the good ground and grew and produced one hundred times as much fruit.” As he said these things, he called out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear!”
Here the word illustrates successful growth that leads to abundant fruit, demonstrating the potential of well-tended hearts.
-
Hebrews 12:15
looking carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you and many be defiled by it,
The metaphor extends to moral life, warning that bitterness can sprout and spread if left unchecked in our relationships.