πηγή
a fountain, spring, well
Definition
The Greek word πηγή (pēgē) primarily means a natural spring or fountain of flowing water, as seen in John 4:6 where Jacob's well is described. It can also refer to a source or origin of something, such as the 'fountain' of life in Revelation 7:17 or the 'issue' of blood in Mark 5:29. In a metaphorical sense, it describes a source of teaching or behavior, like the contradictory 'fountain' of bitter and sweet water in James 3:11-12, or the 'springs without water' representing false teachers in 2 Peter 2:17.
Biblical Usage
πηγή is used 11 times in the New Testament across various contexts. It appears literally for water sources in the Gospels (John 4:6, 14) and Revelation (Revelation 8:10). Metaphorically, it describes spiritual sources in James 3:11-12 (speech), 2 Peter 2:17 (false teaching), and Revelation 7:17 (eternal life). The usage in Mark 5:29 for a physical 'issue' of blood is a unique medical application.
Etymology
Derived from the ancient Greek verb πήγνυμι (pēgnymi), meaning 'to fasten' or 'to fix,' the noun πηγή originally referred to a fixed or established source of water, like a spring. This root idea of a firm, originating point extended to mean any source or fountainhead.
Semantic Range
πηγή is theologically significant as it often symbolizes divine provision and origin. In John 4:14, Jesus promises a 'spring of water' welling up to eternal life, depicting salvation as an internal, living source from God. Revelation 7:17 portrays God Himself as the 'fountain of the water of life,' emphasizing Him as the ultimate source of all sustenance and eternal joy. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting the contrast between stagnant, earthly sources and the dynamic, life-giving source found in Christ.
In the arid ancient Near East, a natural spring (πηγή) was a vital and precious source of fresh, flowing water, unlike a cistern which held stagnant rainwater. This made it a powerful symbol of life, purity, and divine blessing. The metaphorical use of the word would resonate strongly with audiences familiar with the scarcity and value of reliable water sources.
φρέαρ (phrear, G5421) — a dug well or pit, often for storing water. κρήνη (krēnē, G2957) — a public fountain or spring, often man-made.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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