σπουδαῖος
spoudaîos
G4705 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Zealous, earnest, eager, or diligent; characterizing a person or disposition marked by careful attention, seriousness, or a prompt willingness to act on responsibilities or tasks. Conveys both the sense of inner earnestness and the outward demonstration of energetic effort or readiness.
Semantic Range
zealous, earnest, eager, diligent, serious, prompt, energetic, engaged, conscientious
Root / Etymology
From the noun σπουδή (zeal, earnestness, diligence). The adjective is formed with the suffix -αιος, indicating possession of the quality denoted by the noun.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, σπουδαῖος denotes one who possesses zeal, seriousness, or earnestness, often in contrast to one who is ἄςχολος (careless, idle) or παῖς (childish, playful). It frequently describes a person's general character as hardworking, earnest, or trustworthy. In Hellenistic and Koine contexts, the term continues this sense of diligence and reliability, and in both the Septuagint and New Testament, σπουδαῖος carries the idea of eagerness and conscientious effort, particularly in fulfilling tasks or responsibilities (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15, 'be zealous/eager', not merely 'diligent' in the minimalist sense). English translations sometimes render it as 'diligent', 'zealous', or 'earnest', but the word can express both inward motivation and outward promptness or energy. Unlike ἐπιμελής (careful, meticulous), σπουδαῖος can imply both passionate intent and energetic follow-through. Its usage does not inherently convey religious or theological overtones, but reflects broader social values of responsibility and seriousness. The scope of the term extends beyond 'prompt' or 'energetic', encompassing the broader virtue of acting with seriousness and engaged intent. Its formation, from σπουδή, is distinct from related terms like ἐπιμελής (careful, attentive), emphasizing personal zeal and readiness rather than careful supervision.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σπουδή; prompt, energetic, earnest:--diligent.
Root Family
σπουδαῖος (spoudaios) — zealous, earnest, diligent
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G4706 | σπουδαιότερον | more earnestly |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4705-01 |
σπουδαῖον | spoudaion | ADJ.P ACC M SG |
diligent/earnest | zealous | zealous | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4705-01 |
2 Corinthians 8:22 | σπουδαῖον | spoudaion | ADJ.P ACC M SG |
diligent/earnest | zealous | zealous |