φυτεύω

I plant

Definition

The verb φυτεύω means 'to plant' or 'to set' something in the ground, primarily referring to agricultural planting of crops, vines, or trees (e.g., Matthew 21:33; Luke 13:6). In the New Testament, it is also used metaphorically to describe God's act of establishing or planting people, such as the church or Israel (Matthew 15:13). Additionally, it can convey the idea of causing something to take root or be founded, as seen in the teaching about faith in Luke 17:6.

Biblical Usage

φυτεύω appears 11 times, primarily in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) within agricultural parables about vineyards and fig trees (Matthew 21:33; Mark 12:1; Luke 20:9; Luke 13:6). It is also used in Jesus' teaching about faith (Luke 17:6) and in a historical reference to Lot's time (Luke 17:28). In 1 Corinthians 3:6, Paul employs it metaphorically for spiritual work: 'I planted, Apollos watered.'

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root φυτ- (phyto-), related to φύω (phyō, 'to bring forth, grow') and φυτόν (phyton, 'plant'). It shares this root with English words like 'phyto-' (plant-related) and indicates the action of causing growth by setting a plant in soil.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it illustrates God's sovereign role as the planter of his people (Matthew 15:13) and the foundation of spiritual growth. In 1 Corinthians 3:6-7, it underscores that God gives the growth, highlighting human instrumentality versus divine agency in ministry. Understanding φυτεύω enriches parables about the kingdom, emphasizing God's initiative and care.

In the agrarian society of first-century Palestine, planting was a familiar, vital activity. Vineyards and fig trees were common agricultural investments, making parables using φυτεύω immediately relatable. The metaphor of planting conveyed ideas of intentionality, investment, and expectation of fruitfulness, which differs from modern, more industrialized views of farming.

σπείρω (speirō, G4687) — to sow seed, often used for scattering seed in contrast to deliberate planting of a vine or tree. ἐμφυτεύω (emphyteuō, G1721) — to implant or engraft, used in Romans 11:17-24 for grafting branches. καταφυτεύω (kataphyteuō, G2621) — to plant down/transplant, a more intensive form.

Word Details

Scripture References