φειδομένως
pheidoménōs
G5340 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a manner characterized by restraint or moderation, especially with regard to expenditure, giving, or effort; sparingly, with reluctance or reserve. The core adverbial sense denotes acting in a limited, cautious, or withheld way; contextually, it may refer to giving with reluctance, applying a lesser degree of something, or exercising economy, whether in monetary, material, or personal resources.
Semantic Range
sparingly, with restraint, with reluctance, with reserve, minimally, not generously
Root / Etymology
From the participle form of φείδομαι (to spare, to refrain, to withhold). The base verb φείδομαι derives from earlier Greek, meaning 'to spare' or 'to show restraint.' The adverbial suffix -μένως is built on the participial stem (here: φειδόμενος).
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, φείδομαι most frequently expressed restraint, sparing, or mercy, especially in contexts of not inflicting harm or withholding punishment. The adverb φειδομένως is attested rarely and primarily in later or Koine texts, such as the New Testament (cf. 2 Corinthians 9:6), where it specifically refers to the act of giving or sowing 'sparingly,' i.e., with reluctance or minimal generosity. The English translation 'stingily' often implies a moral judgment not present in the Greek, where the focus is more on the degree of restraint. The word never strictly means 'abstemiously' in the sense of self-discipline regarding sensual pleasures; rather, it concerns limiting outward action or giving. In Jewish and broader Greco-Roman contexts, use of this adverb might contrast with concepts of generosity, liberality (ἁπλῶς), or wholeheartedness in communal or liturgical settings. Lexical distinction from terms like ἀποστερητικῶς ('grudgingly') or ἀνελευθέρως ('ungenerously') underscores the focus on the quantitative, not qualitative, aspect of restraint.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from participle of φείδομαι; abstemiously, i.e. stingily:--sparingly.
Root Family
φείδομαι (pheidomai) — to spare, to withhold, to show restraint
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5340-01 |
φειδομένως | pheidomenos | ADV |
sparingly | one restraining himself | sparingly | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5340-01 |
2 Corinthians 9:6 | φειδομένως | pheidomenos | ADV |
sparingly | one restraining himself | sparingly |
G5340-01 |
2 Corinthians 9:6 | φειδομένως | pheidomenos-2 | ADV |
sparingly | one restraining himself | sparingly |