φείδομαι

I spare, abstain

Definition

The Greek verb φείδομαι means 'to spare, abstain, or forbear.' It carries the sense of holding back from something, whether that's withholding punishment (as in Romans 11:21, where God did not spare the natural branches), refraining from an action (as in 2 Corinthians 1:23, where Paul spares the Corinthians a painful visit), or showing mercy by not destroying (as in 2 Peter 2:4, where God did not spare angels who sinned). In a relational context, it can mean to treat someone with leniency or to avoid causing them distress.

Biblical Usage

φείδομαι appears nine times in the New Testament, primarily in the Pauline epistles and Acts. It is used in contexts of divine judgment and mercy (Romans 8:32, 11:21; 2 Peter 2:4), pastoral restraint (2 Corinthians 1:23, 12:6, 13:2), and practical advice about marriage (1 Corinthians 7:28). A notable pattern is its use in warnings, where not sparing signifies the seriousness of consequences, as when Paul warns the Ephesians about false teachers who will not spare the flock (Acts 20:29).

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb φείδομαι, meaning 'to spare' or 'to be thrifty.' It is related to the idea of holding back or saving. Cognates in other Indo-European languages point to a root meaning of 'to have compassion' or 'to pity,' which aligns with its biblical usage of showing mercy or restraint.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on God's justice and mercy. In Romans 8:32, the fact that God 'did not spare' His own Son underscores the magnitude of the atonement—He withheld no cost for salvation. Conversely, passages like Romans 11:21 and 2 Peter 2:4 highlight that God's sparing is not automatic; His judgment is real for those who reject Him. Understanding this term enriches reading by clarifying the tension between divine grace and righteous judgment.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'sparing' was important in contexts of warfare, justice, and household management. A conqueror might 'spare' a defeated city, a judge might 'spare' a defendant, or a head of household might 'spare' resources. The biblical usage often subverts these expectations, applying it to God's ultimate actions in salvation and judgment, which transcend typical human mercy or frugality.

ἐλεέω (eleeō, G1653) — emphasizes mercy and compassion in action, often translated 'have mercy.' φείδομαι focuses more on the act of withholding harm or punishment. οἰκτείρω (oikteirō, G3627) — denotes pity or compassion felt inwardly, while φείδομαι implies an outward restraint.

Word Details

Scripture References