σπένδω
spéndō
G4689 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To pour out a liquid offering (libation), usually wine, as part of a ritual act; by extension, to dedicate or offer oneself, especially in the sense of giving one's life or blood as a sacrificial offering. In religious and ceremonial contexts, refers primarily to the act of pouring out a drink in honor of a deity or the dead; in figurative contexts, especially in later Greek and New Testament usage, it can express the metaphorical self-offering or sacrificial dedication of a person.
Semantic Range
to pour out (as a libation), to make a drink offering, to dedicate by pouring, to offer oneself or one's life figuratively, to devote (especially in the sense of sacrifice)
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root σπενδ-; cognate with related terms for libation (σπονδή).
Historical & Contextual Notes
σπένδω originally described the action of pouring a libation—a central ritual act in Greek religion, often accompanying prayers to gods or oaths. The noun σπονδή refers to the libation itself, as well as (in the plural) to truce or treaty agreements, reflecting the role of libations in oath-taking ceremonies. The verb is found in classical literature primarily with the literal sense of offering a libation. In Hellenistic and Koine periods, the term could take on figurative senses, such as 'pouring out one's life,' as found in the New Testament (notably Philippians 2:17 and 2 Timothy 4:6), where it is used metaphorically of Paul's impending death or self-sacrifice in service. The standard English rendering 'be offered' narrows the meaning; the primary sense remains ritual pouring, while the figurative extension to self-offering is contextually dependent. The verb is distinct from ἱερεύω (to sacrifice) and θυέω (to kill or offer as a burnt offering), focusing on the liquid dimension of sacrifice. In the Septuagint, the usage is less frequent, as Hebrew rituals focused more on animal than drink offerings, but the concept is known via cognate terms. The underlying imagery is one of sacrificial dedication acted out through the ritual of pouring.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a primary verb; to pour out as a libation, i.e. (figuratively) to devote (one's life or blood, as a sacrifice) ("spend"):--(be ready to) be offered.
Root Family
σπένδω (spendō) — to pour as a libation, to dedicate by pouring, to offer oneself sacrificially
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4689-01 |
σπένδομαι | spendomai | V PRS PASS IND 1P SG |
am being poured out | I am being poured out as a libation | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4689-01 |
Philippians 2:17 | σπένδομαι | spendomai | V PRS PASS IND 1P SG |
I am being poured out | I am being poured out as a libation |
G4689-01 |
2 Timothy 4:6 | σπένδομαι | spendomai | V PRS PASS IND 1P SG |
am being poured out | I am being poured out as a libation |