εὐφορέω

I bear well, bring a good harvest

Definition

The verb εὐφορέω (eyphoreō) means 'to bear well' or 'to produce a good yield.' It is an agricultural term specifically describing land that is fertile and brings forth an abundant harvest. In its single New Testament occurrence in Luke 12:16, it is used literally of a field that 'yielded plentifully' or 'produced a good crop.' There are no other distinct biblical senses, as it consistently refers to fruitful productivity in a literal, agrarian context.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Luke 12:16, within Jesus's Parable of the Rich Fool. The context is a narrative about a man whose land 'yielded plentifully' (εὐφόρησεν), leading him to build larger barns. Its usage is purely literal and descriptive, serving to set up the parable's moral about greed and spiritual poverty. No other patterns exist due to its single occurrence.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek components εὖ (eu), meaning 'well' or 'good,' and φορέω (phoreō), meaning 'to bear' or 'to carry.' It is a compound verb literally meaning 'to bear well.' The root φορέω is related to φέρω (pherō, G5342), a common verb for bearing or bringing. Thus, εὐφορέω emphasizes a successful, abundant act of bearing fruit or produce.

Semantic Range

Though a mundane agricultural term, its theological significance emerges from its narrative context in Luke 12:16-21. The abundant harvest becomes a test of the rich man's heart, highlighting themes of God's provision, human stewardship, and the folly of storing up earthly treasures without being 'rich toward God.' Understanding this Greek term underscores the contrast between physical fruitfulness and spiritual barrenness, enriching the parable's warning against materialism.

In the agrarian society of first-century Palestine, a 'good yield' was directly tied to survival, wealth, and God's blessing (cf. Deuteronomy 28:4). An abundant harvest was often seen as a sign of divine favor. The modern reader might miss the immediate economic and spiritual weight this term carried; it signaled not just success but a pivotal moment for moral decision-making about resources and generosity.

καρποφορέω (karpophoreō, G2592) — emphasizes bearing fruit, often used literally and metaphorically for spiritual productivity. φέρω (pherō, G5342) — a broader term meaning to bear, bring, or carry, without the connotation of abundance.

Word Details

Scripture References