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σπουδή

spoudḗ

G4710 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

Diligent commitment, earnest application or zealous effort; the state or quality of acting with focused intent, eagerness, and careful attention. In different contexts, σπουδή can denote a sense of haste or alacrity in carrying out a task; more frequently, it refers to industriousness, assiduity, or care taken in fulfilling obligations. It can further express eagerness, promptness, or a sense of urgency with which duties are undertaken.

Semantic Range

diligence, earnestness, zeal, eagerness, promptness, carefulness, haste, industry, assiduity, application, attention, alacrity

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root σπεύδω (to hasten, to strive, to be eager). The noun σπουδή is a nominal formation from this verb, reflecting the abstract idea of zeal, diligence, or earnest effort.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, σπουδή signified earnestness of pursuit, zeal, or eagerness, often contrasted with playfulness (παιδιά) and viewed as a positive trait. In Hellenistic Greek, including the Septuagint (LXX) and New Testament, the word was frequently used in exhortations regarding commitment to duty, diligent service, and care in both mundane and spiritual matters (e.g., Romans 12:8, 2 Corinthians 7:11-12). The notion of 'haste' or 'alacrity' retained from the root verb is sometimes present, but the dominant nuance is careful diligence rather than mere speed. Standard English translations often render σπουδή as 'diligence,' 'eagerness,' 'zeal,' or 'earnestness,' though context may require 'care' or a similar term. The semantic range encompasses both the attitude and the quality of the action. Usage in early Christian literature extended this meaning to denote careful attention to communal or spiritual responsibilities.

Translation Consistency

primary "diligence" 11 occurrences

σπουδή most typically denotes careful, assiduous effort or earnest application. "Diligence" is the neutral, natural English noun that covers the primary senses (earnestness, industry, carefulness, promptness) better than more partisan choices like "zeal" or the adjective "earnest." It will read naturally across contexts while remaining faithful to the SILEX range.

Alternatives (1 occurrence):
"eagerness" (1x)

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from σπεύδω; "speed", i.e. (by implication) despatch, eagerness, earnestness:--business, (earnest) care(-fulness), diligence, forwardness, haste.

Root Family

σπουδή (spoudē) — diligence, earnestness, zeal, eagerness, haste

Root σπευδ- to hasten, to be eager, to strive

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4710-02 σπουδήν spouden N ACC F SG diligence earnest diligence earnest diligence 6
G4710-01 σπουδῇ spoude N DAT F SG diligence with earnest diligence with earnest diligence 3
G4710-03 σπουδῆς spoudes N GEN F SG haste of earnest diligence diligence 3

Occurrences in Scripture

12 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4710-03 Mark 6:25 σπουδῆς spoudes N GEN F SG haste of earnest diligence eagerness
G4710-03 Luke 1:39 σπουδῆς spoudes N GEN F SG haste of earnest diligence diligence
G4710-01 Romans 12:8 σπουδῇ spoude N DAT F SG diligence with earnest diligence with earnest diligence
G4710-01 Romans 12:11 σπουδῇ spoude N DAT F SG diligence with earnest diligence with earnest diligence
G4710-02 2 Corinthians 7:11 σπουδήν spouden N ACC F SG earnestness earnest diligence earnest diligence
G4710-02 2 Corinthians 7:12 σπουδὴν spouden N ACC F SG earnestness earnest diligence earnest diligence
G4710-01 2 Corinthians 8:7 σπουδῇ spoude N DAT F SG diligence with earnest diligence with earnest diligence
G4710-03 2 Corinthians 8:8 σπουδῆς spoudes N GEN F SG earnestness of earnest diligence of diligence
G4710-02 2 Corinthians 8:16 σπουδὴν spouden N ACC F SG earnest care earnest diligence earnest diligence
G4710-02 Hebrews 6:11 σπουδὴν spouden N ACC F SG diligence earnest diligence earnest diligence
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