ῥιζόω
rhizóō
G4492 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To take root, cause to take root; to become firmly established or fixed. In the metaphorical sense, to cause (someone or something) to be deeply established, settled, or grounded (especially in beliefs, love, or teaching).
Semantic Range
to take root (of plants), to cause to take root, to become firmly established, to be settled, to be grounded (morally or spiritually)
Root / Etymology
From the noun ῥίζα (root) plus the verbal suffix -όω, forming a causative or inchoative verb meaning 'to root' or 'to put down roots.' The semantic development follows standard Greek patterns for denominative verbs.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ῥιζόω is rarely attested but used literally for plants taking root. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, the verb is often used metaphorically for becoming firm or established, especially in moral, spiritual, or social contexts (e.g., being grounded in love or faith). The New Testament uses (Ephesians 3:17; Colossians 2:7) employ the verb to describe being inwardly anchored, often alongside similar metaphors (such as being 'founded' or 'built up'). English translations typically render it 'rooted,' but the metaphor can signal both initial planting (establishment) and ongoing firmness (enduring stability). The word distinguishes 'taking root' (inward, organic growth) from mere external or structural establishment (such as θεμελιόω, 'to lay a foundation'). Both metaphoric and literal senses are context-dependent. There is no significant shift in meaning between the Septuagint and New Testament, but the latter emphasizes inner transformation and ongoing stability.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ῥίζα; to root (figuratively, become stable):--root.
Root Family
ῥιζόω (rhizóō) — to root, to take root, to establish, to ground
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4492-01 |
ἐρριζωμένοι | errizomenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
being rooted | having been rooted | having been rooted | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4492-01 |
Ephesians 3:17 | ἐρριζωμένοι | errizomenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
being rooted | having been rooted | having been rooted |
G4492-01 |
Colossians 2:7 | ἐρριζωμένοι | errizomenoi | V PRF PASS PTCP NOM M PL |
having been rooted | having been rooted | having been rooted |