τρέφω

I feed, rear

Definition

The verb τρέφω primarily means 'to feed' or 'to nourish,' referring to the act of providing food for sustenance, as seen when Jesus speaks of God feeding the birds (Matthew 6:26). It also carries the extended sense of 'to rear' or 'to bring up,' involving the long-term provision and care in raising a child, which is implied in the context of Revelation 12:6, 14 where the woman is nourished in the wilderness. In a broader economic or social context, it can mean 'to provide for' or 'to support,' as in the case of the rich who 'have fattened your hearts' (James 5:5), indicating luxurious provision.

Biblical Usage

Τρέφω is used 8 times in the New Testament, appearing in Gospels, Acts, and Revelation. In the Gospels (Matthew 6:26, 25:37; Luke 4:16, 12:24), it consistently describes God's or people's act of feeding others, emphasizing physical provision. In Acts 12:20, it refers to a region supplying food, highlighting a political-economic use. James 5:5 uses it metaphorically for self-indulgent provision. In Revelation 12:6, 14, it describes divine protection and sustenance during a period of refuge, blending physical and spiritual care.

Etymology

Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *dʰrebʰ-, meaning 'to thicken' or 'to curdle,' τρέφω evolved in Greek to signify nourishing or causing to grow. It is related to words like τροφή (trophē, G5160) meaning 'food' or 'nourishment,' and τροφός (trophos, G5162) meaning 'nurse' or 'one who feeds.' This root emphasizes the idea of fostering growth and strength through provision.

Semantic Range

Τρέφω underscores God's role as provider, highlighting divine care in passages like Matthew 6:26, which reassures believers of God's sustenance. In Revelation 12, it connects to themes of God's protection and provision for His people during tribulation. Understanding this Greek word enriches reading by revealing the depth of God's nurturing care, from daily physical needs to spiritual safeguarding in crises, reinforcing trust in His provision.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, τρέφω often implied a responsibility of the householder or patron to provide for dependents, including family, slaves, and clients. The act of feeding was a fundamental social duty, and its use in the New Testament would resonate with audiences familiar with these obligations, contrasting human provision with God's ultimate care.

βοσκώ (bosko, G1006) — focuses on pasturing or grazing animals, often used for feeding flocks. ψωμίζω (psomizo, G5595) — means to feed with bits of food, emphasizing the act of giving food directly, sometimes to the poor. ἐκτρέφω (ektrephō, G1625) — means to bring up or nourish, with a stronger emphasis on rearing and education, as in Ephesians 6:4.

Word Details

Scripture References