ἐρεύγομαι

I utter, declare

Definition

The verb ἐρεύγομαι (ereygomai) literally means 'to belch forth' or 'to pour out,' but in its figurative biblical usage, it signifies the act of uttering or declaring something, often with the connotation of speaking forth from a deep, internal source. In its only New Testament occurrence, Matthew 13:35, it describes the prophetic act of declaring things hidden since the foundation of the world, fulfilling Psalm 78:2. The sense is of a powerful, revelatory proclamation, not merely casual speech. This figurative meaning moves from the physical act of expulsion to the spiritual act of inspired declaration.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 13:35. It is employed in a quotation from the Old Testament (Psalm 78:2 LXX) to describe the ministry of Jesus as he speaks in parables. The context is one of prophetic fulfillment, where Jesus 'utters' or 'declares' hidden truths that have been kept secret. The usage is highly specific and solemn, directly linking Jesus's teaching to the prophetic tradition of declaring God's mysteries.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb ἐρεύγομαι, meaning 'to belch, to vomit forth, to disgorge.' Its root sense is one of forceful expulsion from within. This vivid physical imagery was naturally extended in figurative language to describe the act of pouring forth speech or declarations from the heart or mind, a usage already present in the Greek translation of the Old Testament (the Septuagint).

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it directly connects Jesus's parabolic teaching to Old Testament prophecy, presenting him as the fulfiller of Scripture who authoritatively reveals divine mysteries. Understanding the Greek enriches our reading by highlighting the forceful, revelatory nature of Jesus's declaration. It frames his teaching not as simple instruction but as a profound unveiling of truths long hidden in God's plan, emphasizing his role as the definitive revealer of the Father (Matthew 11:27).

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the literal meaning could carry crude connotations. However, its use in the Septuagint (the Bible of the early Church) gave it a dignified, prophetic resonance. The figurative sense of 'pouring forth' speech was an accepted metaphor for inspired utterance, which would have been familiar to readers of the Greek Scriptures. This cultural-linguistic background allows Matthew to use a strong, vivid verb that conveys both the source (from within) and the power of Jesus's revelatory speech.

λέγω (legō, G3004) — the common, general word for 'to say' or 'to speak,' without the connotation of forceful declaration. λαλέω (laleō, G2980) — often used for the act of speaking or talking, sometimes of divine communication, but lacks the specific imagery of 'pouring out' from within. ἀποκαλύπτω (apokalyptō, G601) — means 'to reveal' or 'to uncover,' focusing on the content disclosed, while ἐρεύγομαι focuses on the act of vocalizing that revelation.

Word Details

Scripture References