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πηγή

pēgḗ

G4077 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A spring or source, specifically of naturally flowing or gushing water; by extension, a fountain, well, or other abundant origin. Frequently refers to a place where water emerges from the ground, but can also be applied metaphorically to any abundant or originary source (of blood, life, or benefit) in a given context.

Semantic Range

spring, source (of water), natural fountain, well, origin point, source (figurative: of blood, enjoyment, blessing, etc.), abundant supply

Root / Etymology

From the root πηγ-, related to πήγνυμι ('to fix, make firm, fasten'), though the semantic transfer to 'source of water' is based on the concept of a fixed place where water emerges. Possibly influenced by pre-Greek substrate in the meaning 'spring, fount.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, πηγή principally denotes a spring or natural well—an origin point for a stream or river, as distinct from artificial wells (φρέαρ). In the Septuagint, it frequently translates Hebrew מַעְיָן (ma‘yan, 'spring') or עֵין (‘en, 'fountain, eye'), and conveys natural water sources essential for life in arid regions. The New Testament continues this usage, often in metaphorical senses—for example, as a source of spiritual life or blessing. The term can refer concretely to natural water sources or metaphorically to sources of life, sustenance, or abundance. Translation traditions often render πηγή as 'fountain' or 'well,' but 'spring' is usually the most accurate for the natural, gushing origin implied. The figurative uses (e.g., 'source of blood' or 'source of enjoyment') arise naturally from the core idea of origination and abundance. In ancient Greek literature, distinguishes itself from κρήνη ('artificial well or constructed fountain') and πηγή itself is primarily for naturally occurring, flowing water sources.

Translation Consistency

primary "spring" 6 occurrences

πήγη most often denotes a natural water spring or fountain and is commonly translated “spring.” It also naturally carries the related sense of an originating source (of life, blessing, blood), and it matches the majority of existing renderings (e.g. “springs”). “Spring” is plain, natural English and fits both literal and figurative uses.

Alternatives (5 occurrences):
"spring-source" (5x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from πήγνυμι (through the idea of gushing plumply); a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e. source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring):--fountain, well.

Root Family

πηγ- (pḗganon) — to make firm, thick, fixed (root); a particular herb, rue

Root πηγ- to fasten, fix, source, spring forth
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G4076 πήγανον rue plant

Word Forms

4 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4077-03 πηγὴ pege N NOM F SG well spring-source spring-source 5
G4077-02 πηγὰς pegas N ACC F PL springs springs springs 4
G4077-01 πηγαὶ pegai N NOM F PL springs springs springs 1
G4077-04 πηγῆς peges N GEN F SG spring of a spring of a spring 1

Occurrences in Scripture

11 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4077-03 Mark 5:29 πηγὴ pege N NOM F SG flow spring-source spring-source
G4077-03 John 4:6 πηγὴ pege N NOM F SG well spring-source spring-source
G4077-03 John 4:6 πηγῇ pege-2 N DAT F SG well spring-source spring-source
G4077-03 John 4:14 πηγὴ pege N NOM F SG spring spring-source spring-source
G4077-03 James 3:11 πηγὴ pege N NOM F SG fountain spring-source spring-source
G4077-01 2 Peter 2:17 πηγαὶ pegai N NOM F PL springs springs springs
G4077-02 Revelation 7:17 πηγὰς pegas N ACC F PL springs springs springs
G4077-02 Revelation 8:10 πηγὰς pegas N ACC F PL fountains springs springs
G4077-02 Revelation 14:7 πηγὰς pegas N ACC F PL springs springs springs
G4077-02 Revelation 16:4 πηγὰς pegas N ACC F PL springs springs springs
G4077-04 Revelation 21:6 πηγῆς peges N GEN F SG spring of a spring of a spring
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