εὐθύνω
euthýnō
G2116 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
to straighten, make straight, or direct; in both physical and metaphorical senses, to cause something to be straight or direct, to guide, or to set on a correct path. In nautical or technical language, to steer or guide (particularly a ship), to control or direct movement. By extension, in moral or metaphorical contexts, to guide or direct one's way, decision, or conduct toward a particular goal or course.
Semantic Range
to make straight, to set or guide on a straight path, to steer (esp. a ship), to direct, to guide morally or physically, to correct, to govern (as in directing the course)
Root / Etymology
From the adjective εὐθύς meaning 'straight' combined with the verb-forming ending -νω. The adjective εὐθύς derives from the root εὐ-/ευθ- meaning 'straight, direct, right.' Thus, εὐθύνω literally means 'to make straight' or 'to direct.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὐθύνω is broadly used to mean 'to make straight,' 'to correct,' or 'to guide,' appearing in both literal and figurative contexts. Its technical sense of steering a ship is well-attested in maritime literature. In the Septuagint and New Testament, its usage often shifts toward metaphoric applications, especially in the sense of 'to guide' or 'to cause to walk straight' (e.g., in moral or spiritual direction). The participial form εὐθύνων (as found in Acts 27:11) occurs in nautical contexts referring to a ship's steersman or one who directs the vessel (often rendered 'pilot' or 'governor'), but such translations may obscure the underlying image of 'one who makes (the course) straight.' English translations often opt for 'make straight,' 'guide,' 'steer,' or 'direct,' depending on the context, but may not fully convey the breadth of both literal and figurative uses, especially in metaphorical or moral contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὐθύς; to straighten (level); technically, to steer:--governor, make straight.
Root Family
εὐθύνω (euthýnō) — to straighten, to direct, to guide, to steer
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2116-01 |
εὐθύνατε | euthunate | V AOR ACT IMP 2P PL |
Make straight | Make straight! | Make straight | 1 |
G2116-02 |
εὐθύνοντος | euthunontos | V PRS ACT PTCP GEN M SG |
pilot's | of the one steering | of the one steering | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences